Rosacea skin disorder is a skin condition that causes redness and small bumpy areas that affect the face. Many of us can remember struggling with acne growing up, the embarrassment of a huge pimple on the end of the nose or an outbreak before a big date or class picture. For some people, acne can be quite severe, perhaps requiring professional treatment and expensive products, but for the most part acne tends to be an affliction that is outgrown with age.
Rosacea skin disorder, on the other hand, is something that hits you later in life and gets progressively worse if not treated. Many instances can be mild with only slight discomfort or irritation but some cases are more serious, depending upon the type of rosacea and can cause much discomfort and embarrassment, even disfigurement and ocular damage effecting sight. For many rosacea skin disorder victims the symptoms start out similar to acne and often times are mistaken for acne resulting in incorrect treatment and a waste of time and money. Meanwhile the rosacea continues to advance. It’s important to find a medical professional who will give you an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment for the type and severity of the disorder.
Rosacea skin disorder can be classified into four subtypes and it is possible for one person to have more than one type.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is most noted for redness. Those afflicted may appear to blush a lot or look like they’ve been out in the sun too long. Blood vessels may become visible beneath the surface of the skin. Though most common in the facial area this condition can also affect other parts of the body including the chest and neck.
Papulopustular rosacea is the type that can commonly be mistaken for acne due to the inflammation and bumps and zit-like pustules. This condition can be embarrassing and if not properly treated can persist and worsen.
Phymatous rosacea can cause facial disfigurement due to thickening skin. The nose can often become enlarged, a condition known as Rhinophyma, and all parts of the face can be attacked, checks, eyelids, chin, even the ears.
Ocular rosacea is the fourth subtype, and as the name implies affects the eyes and eyelids, causing redness, a dry itchy feeling and irritation. If left untreated, the symptoms will worsen and damage to your vision is likely.
Theories About What Causes Rosacea Skin Disorder
All this information, the sub-typing, the listings of symptoms and physical conditions may help to make rosacea skin disorder easier to diagnose but rosacea remains somewhat of a mystery as to this point in time, there is no actual known cause. In fact, even the term “disorder” may not be accurate. Is rosacea a disorder? Is it a disease? Is it viral or bacterial? Is it a genetic abnormality? Is it caused by medication or diet? Perhaps for many, rosacea is the result of a variety of combined factors and may have taken years to develop.
The good news, there is a lot of research underway with much discussion and suppositions. Some of the popular theories link rosacea to demodex mites living in the skin pores, while others suggest intestinal bacteria being the culprits. Others postulate high levels of certain peptides and enzymes, or liver dysfunction and blood toxicity levels. Indeed, it may be any or all of these, since the aforementioned observations come from patient statistics.
There are certain aggravating factors and conditions known to cause rosacea type symptoms and flare-ups. Among these are topical steroids, chemical peels and skin abrasions, or over-exposure to the sun. We may all have gotten a bit flushed when eating spicy foods, during a time of stress or after partaking of too much alcohol. Any combination of the above factors may not be the root cause of rosacea skin disorder but can certainly aggravate the underlying condition and with years of skin and body abuse may significantly exacerbate the problem.
Treating Rosacea Skin Disorder
Treatment of rosacea is focused on alleviating symptoms and preventing escalation as much as possible. Treatment types vary and the subtype of the disorder and the seriousness of the condition has to be taken into consideration. To-date there is no cure, although continued and long term approaches have the best chance of keeping rosacea under control.
Medical treatments can include antibiotics and other medications and, for some, laser surgery. Natural, homeopathic, and good-old home remedies are all other treatment areas to be explored and we have a whole section on this site dedicated to those. Some are quite simple, for example routinely using an excellent facial cleanser is good plain common sense. Using non-irritating cosmetics (and there are some especially designed for rosacea sufferers) may make going to work and going out in public less awkward.
Lifestyle changes working in conjunction with chosen treatments may increase chances of a successful outcome. Eating healthy foods and drinking mainly clean filtered or sparkling water can be a huge lifestyle change for many but in long run is well worth it. Reducing junk food and fried foods, eating more fresh fruit and vegetables that provide antioxidants and valuable nutrition enable the body to help itself.
Staying hydrated is an important process throughout the day. Water is great for the skin and healthy juice or vegetable drinks or smoothies can play a good role in a balanced diet. Exercise and rest can both be balanced and rejuvenation activities, invigorating and then relaxing. People tend to sleep better after exercise and sleep gives the body a chance to do what nature intended. Reducing chronic stress is another one. Do what makes you happy and it will be more than just your skin that glows!
If you think you may suffer from rosacea skin disorder then reach out and use any resources available to improve your condition and quality of life. You can take action and get results. To reiterate, rosacea will grow worse without any attention. Consider consulting with a medical professional, usually a dermatologist, and get a diagnosis if warranted. Grab those informative pamphlets and care instructions that always seem to come with a doctor’s advice. But do not stop there, sometimes a diagnosis or specific medication may not seem right and may not work for you. Everyone is different. Know your own body.
Take charge of your rosacea skin disorder predicament and get informed to the best extent you can, get on the Internet and do some research, visit the informative websites, and stay in the loop on the latest developments and treatments. Try to select treatments that feel right for your symptoms and daily lifestyle. Above all make an extra effort to take care of yourself and your health.
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