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| | Skin Conditions - Rosacea |
Rosacea |
Skin flushing and redness when you're not
embarrassed are symptoms associated with rosacea, a chronic skin
disorder that affects millions of individuals, primarily women. The
condition doesn't usually appear until women reach their 30's or even
later. Rosacea is thought to result from the accumulation over time of
excess acid in the body. This accumulation irritates the blood vessels
and since the facial area has some of the highest concentrations of
blood vessels, it's the area most affected by rosacea.
Symptoms
of RosaceaRosacea affects the face therefore its symptoms
are difficult to miss. The main areas affected include cheeks and nose,
but the forehead and areas around the mouth can also be involved. These
areas have a large concentration of blood-carrying arteries which is
why some people blame the cause of rosacea on excess acids.
Symptoms
are characterized by patches of red, flush skin that may burn or sting
or itch. In some cases, the skin will also become inflamed. There is no
consistency among patients as to where on the face the patches will
develop and whether they'll appear on one or both sides simultaneously.
Skin type can be characterized by dry and flaky, or normal or oily.
Bumps
and pimples are other symptoms of rosacea. Similar in appearance to
acne, these skin blemishes are not the result of blocked pores. In
fact, rosacea is frequently referred to incorrectly as adult acne. And
equally unfortunate, rosacea is often misdiagnosed as sunburn which
often delays proper treatment.
Causes of
RosaceaAn exact cause of rosacea has yet to be discovered
and whether genetics is involved is a hotly debated topic. Many
patients can state with certainty a blood relative who has or has had
this chronic skin condition which is why some people think it's a
hereditary condition. Patient analysis also indicates that fair-skinned
persons and persons of Irish, English, Scottish, Scandinavian and Welsh
descent seem to experience more instances of rosacea.
Other
possible causes include bacteria, fungus and mites. Some attribute it
to psychological factors and others claim there's some type of problem
in the skin's connective tissues.
Rosacea
treatmentsRosacea is definitely not infectious or contagious
and the fact that antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat it
causes confusion. This is done more for the anti-inflammatory
capability of antibiotics not their bacteria fighting ability.
Sun
screen is an absolute to avoid flare-ups must and so are skin
care products formulated for sensitive skin.
There
are several triggers known to cause rosacea to flare. People with
rosacea can work at keeping it under control by avoiding the following
environmental triggers: foods that are spicy, alcoholic beverages,
weather that's hot or cold, beverages that have been heated, hot
baths/saunas, strenuous exercise and stress that's caused by emotional
swings.
In cases where redness is severe, laser
therapy can be prescribed. The process helps remove the blood vessels
that cause the redness. Dermabrasion can help smooth the bumps.
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