Rosacea is a skin problem that affects mostly adults between the ages of 30-50 years. Like so many other skin diseases, the exact cause of rosacea is not fully known although there are various related factors such as family history, bacteria, abnormality in the facial blood vessels and triggers such as exposure to sunlight, spicy food and stress.
Rosacea primarily affects the face with varying levels of severity. The main symptoms are redness of the face which is caused by the tiny blood vessels under the surface of the skin dilating and becoming visible. The redness is often aggravated by facial flushing, another common symptom. Episodes of flushing are sometimes followed by facial redness than can come and go, but may be persistent. The permanent redness can often be confused with sunburn. The visible blood vessels mostly appear on the cheek and nose area and look like fine red lines.
Another consequence of flushing, due to increased blood flow, is facial swelling. When the blood vessels dilate, they come leaky and extra fluid accumulates in the tissues faster than the lymphatic system can remove it. Since swelling is usually related to flushing, if the flushing is controlled, then the swelling is also controlled.
Facial flushing and redness can be controlled by avoiding the common triggers or by using anti- inflammatory creams or gels. You could also try using cool packs on your face to reduce the redness.
Another unpleasant symptom of rosacea is irritated eyes. The eyes look bloodshot and watery and feel burning, stinging, itching, dry and sensitive to light. This condition is known as ocular rosacea. Other problems such as cysts, styes and inflammation to the eyelid may also be experienced. In the most severe of cases there is a possibility of corneal damage and vision loss. Treatment normally consists of good eye hygiene, eye drops, antibiotics and warm compresses over the eyes. Another treatment that may be useful is to place cold cucumber slices over the eyes. Cucumber not only contains beneficial vitamins and minerals, but is also cooling and soothing.
Finally, one of the worst but, thankfully, uncommon symptoms is rhinophyma, often referred to as whisky or brandy nose. This is when the nose becomes bulbous, bumpy and deformed looking. Unfortunately, this condition is often associated with alcoholism, but can also be a result of untreated rosacea. Rhinophyma is a slowly developing condition mostly affected older men. It can't be treated by medication: surgery or laser treatment are the only options.
Unlike acne, rosacea does not cause scarring, but it can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Understanding rosacea symptoms will help you in choosing the most appropriate treatment.
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Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.
