Rosacea is a chronic skin condition.
There are four subtypes of rosacea. Each subtype has its own set of symptoms. From flushing or blushing, visible blood vessels, papules, pustules, sensitive skin, itchy red eye to enlarged red nose. It is possible to have more than one subtype of rosacea at a time. Typically, rosacea affects only skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Flare-ups often occur in cycles. This means that you will experience symptoms for weeks or months at a time, the symptoms will go away, and then return.The cause of rosacea has not been determined. It may be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.
Factors that may make your rosacea symptoms worse:
- Eating spicy foods
- Eating items that contain the compound cinnamaldehyde, such as cinnamon, chocolate, tomatoes, and citrus
- Drinking alcohol, hot coffee or tea
- Having the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
- A skin mite called demodex and the bacterium it carries, Bacillus oleronius
Rosacea cannot be cured, but can be controlled.
Make sure to take care of your skin using gentle cleansers and oil-free, water-based skin-care products.
Avoid products that contains: alcohol, menthol, exfoliating agents. Avoid direct sun exposure and use tinted sunscreen and always use sunglasses
Your doctor will work with you to develop best treatment options. This is usually a regimen of changing your lifestyle, clinic treatment, topical and oral therapy.