Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that mostly affects the face. It appears like a small red, pus-filled bump that affects the skin on your face, neck, and forehead. It is often mistaken for acne, eczema or other skin allergies and if left untreated the condition may worsen. The outbreak occur in a cycle and you may feel the symptoms for weeks to months at a stretch and symptoms settle on its own and suddenly reappear.

The exact cause for rosacea is still not identified, but it may due to hereditary or environmental factors. Rosacea can affect anyone however, middle-aged women with fair skin are at high risk. The symptoms of rosacea may aggravate by certain triggers which include:

Spicy foods

Adding cinnamon, tomatoes, chocolate and citrus fruits in the diet

Having Caffeinated beverages

Dairy products

Hot foods and drinks

Intestinal bacterial infection- Ulcer or Helicobacter pylori

Skin mite disorder demodex

Extremes of climate changes

Sunlight, humidity and wind

Saunas

Certain medications

Cold, cough or fever

Rosacea Is Categorized Into Four Sub Types:

Subtype 1:

Erythematotelangietatic rosacea (ETR) which is characterized by facial redness, flushing, blood vessels noticeable, swollen skin, itching sensation, dry, hard and scaly skin like in actinic keratoses.

Subtype 2:

Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by acne breakouts, patches and broken blood vessels.

Subtype 3:

Rhinophyma is characterized by thickening of the skin on your nose, forehead, chin, cheeks and large pores with visible blood vessels.

Subtype 4:

Ocular rosacea affects the eye area with watery eyes, dry, itchy and burning sensation, sensitive to light and impair the vision.

Symptoms

Flushing of the skin

Facial skin hyperactivity

Redness and swelling

Pimples and boils

Inflamed blood vessels

Diagnosis And Treatment

Generally, there is no specific test to diagnose rosacea, however, dermatologist diagnoses by doing a complete physical examination and collects the history of symptoms to identify the trigger. The presence of inflamed blood vessels will help the dermatologist to differentiate rosacea from other skin conditions.

A dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics for severe cases of rosacea with abscess and pimples. Doctors also prescribe topical cream or gel to apply on the affected area to lessen redness and swelling. Laser therapy is recommended in severe cases to ease the redness of enlarged blood vessel. However, the main aim of the treatment plan is to control the underlying symptoms and signs that causes rosacea.

Following certain remedies and lifestyle changes can help the patient to manage the symptoms and lessen the outbreak of rosacea includes:

Identify and stay away from triggers.

Shield your face from harmful UV rays, use SPF 30 sunscreen regularly.

Always use mild skincare products and stay away from products containing alcohol and other chemicals.