All That You Need to Know About Rosacea - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention
Usually, rosacea does not make feel ill but it is unsightly and thus unsettling. Rosacea affects 1 in 10 persons in the UK and must not be mistaken for acne. It can, however, look similar to acne. But it is important to understand the symptoms of this condition:
€ Flushing of face: Although, women would like natural blush on them, this is one symptom that you may not like to have. It is also the first symptom of Rosacea and also may be the only symptom for over a year or years before any other development occurs.
€ Redness: Parts of face may experience redness, making it appear like sunburn.
€ Red, lumpy spots: Small lumpy, red spots or papules and small cysts may occur making it look similar to acne. These may come and go, but a few may remain if untreated.
€ Telangiectasia: These are tiny blood vessels under the skin which become very prominent on the face.
€ Symptoms related to eye: Also called as ocular rosacea, it is a more common condition but is often mild. Feeling of an obstruction in the eye, burning, itching of the eye, dryness, sensitivity to light, cyst on eyelids or inflammation.
€ Skin thickening: In some cases, rhinophyma (a bulging nose) may occur. Usually, the central part of the face is affected - cheeks, forehead, nose, mouth and chin areas.
Causes of rosacea:
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, many factors can actually lead to this non-fatal condition. A few suspected factors include:
€ Small blood vessels under the affected skin may become leaky and abnormal.
€ A small mite called demodex folliculorum may be the culprit. It is known to thrive harmlessly on skin, but has been found in higher numbers in those affected by rosacea.
€ Immune reactions in the skin which may cause inflammation
€ Could be a hereditary factor
€ Damage by sun
Diagnosis of rosacea:
No specific investigation is done to diagnose rosacea. The obvious symptoms which affect the face are considered. But sometimes doctor may conduct a blood test to ensure exclusion of other conditions with similar symptoms such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes redness of skin.
Preventive measures for rosacea:
It is advised that you avoid strong sunlight on your face. Consider using a sunblock with high protection factor (SPF 30 and above) to guard against harmful UV rays. If you have dry skin, you can try a hypoallergenic, non-greasy and non-perfumed moisturizing cream. Use of steroid creams must be strictly avoided.
Treatments for rosacea:
Depending on severity and sub-types of the condition, treatment for rosacea varies. Mild cases are often left untreated, but severe cases are treated with either oral or topical antibiotic agents. Apart from oral medication, laser treatments are also available to combat this condition.
Murad has also come up with Soothing Gel Cleanser that intends to drive out the environmental impurities to provide relief from symptoms of rosacea. A skincare partner for both men and women, Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser, has natural extracts, vitamin C, beta-carotene and anti-oxidants from goji berry that work to not only remove impurities from your skin but also moisturise pores and soothe skin. The gel is light-weight, hence, there is no known irritation caused to the skin.
The natural anti-oxidants in the gel even work to help reduce signs of ageing while working to strengthen skin's immune system. The application is also simple. Just a small amount needs to be applied to a dampened face and neck and then it needs to be washed off with lukewarm water.
€ Flushing of face: Although, women would like natural blush on them, this is one symptom that you may not like to have. It is also the first symptom of Rosacea and also may be the only symptom for over a year or years before any other development occurs.
€ Redness: Parts of face may experience redness, making it appear like sunburn.
€ Red, lumpy spots: Small lumpy, red spots or papules and small cysts may occur making it look similar to acne. These may come and go, but a few may remain if untreated.
€ Telangiectasia: These are tiny blood vessels under the skin which become very prominent on the face.
€ Symptoms related to eye: Also called as ocular rosacea, it is a more common condition but is often mild. Feeling of an obstruction in the eye, burning, itching of the eye, dryness, sensitivity to light, cyst on eyelids or inflammation.
€ Skin thickening: In some cases, rhinophyma (a bulging nose) may occur. Usually, the central part of the face is affected - cheeks, forehead, nose, mouth and chin areas.
Causes of rosacea:
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, many factors can actually lead to this non-fatal condition. A few suspected factors include:
€ Small blood vessels under the affected skin may become leaky and abnormal.
€ A small mite called demodex folliculorum may be the culprit. It is known to thrive harmlessly on skin, but has been found in higher numbers in those affected by rosacea.
€ Immune reactions in the skin which may cause inflammation
€ Could be a hereditary factor
€ Damage by sun
Diagnosis of rosacea:
No specific investigation is done to diagnose rosacea. The obvious symptoms which affect the face are considered. But sometimes doctor may conduct a blood test to ensure exclusion of other conditions with similar symptoms such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which also causes redness of skin.
Preventive measures for rosacea:
It is advised that you avoid strong sunlight on your face. Consider using a sunblock with high protection factor (SPF 30 and above) to guard against harmful UV rays. If you have dry skin, you can try a hypoallergenic, non-greasy and non-perfumed moisturizing cream. Use of steroid creams must be strictly avoided.
Treatments for rosacea:
Depending on severity and sub-types of the condition, treatment for rosacea varies. Mild cases are often left untreated, but severe cases are treated with either oral or topical antibiotic agents. Apart from oral medication, laser treatments are also available to combat this condition.
Murad has also come up with Soothing Gel Cleanser that intends to drive out the environmental impurities to provide relief from symptoms of rosacea. A skincare partner for both men and women, Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser, has natural extracts, vitamin C, beta-carotene and anti-oxidants from goji berry that work to not only remove impurities from your skin but also moisturise pores and soothe skin. The gel is light-weight, hence, there is no known irritation caused to the skin.
The natural anti-oxidants in the gel even work to help reduce signs of ageing while working to strengthen skin's immune system. The application is also simple. Just a small amount needs to be applied to a dampened face and neck and then it needs to be washed off with lukewarm water.
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