What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Rosacea usually appears on your face, causing you to develop pustules, which are small bumps filled with pus. Most people with rosacea see symptoms for the first time in their 30s and continue to have occasional flare-ups throughout the rest of their lives, but the first symptoms of rosacea may appear earlier or later for some people.
In addition to physical symptoms, rosacea can also affect your mental health, causing you to feel embarrassed and struggle with low self-esteem.
What causes it?
Scientists haven’t found the exact cause of rosacea yet, but they believe it develops because of a combination of genetics and your environment.
You may be more prone to rosacea if you have light skin and a history of blushing easily. This condition is also more common among women, although men tend to have more severe symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
In most cases, Dr. Piantanida is able to diagnose rosacea after looking at your face. She may also ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history before confirming the diagnosis.
Can rosacea be treated?
One way to minimize the symptoms of rosacea is to avoid anything that increases blood flow to the skin. Some of these factors include:
- Vigorous exercise
- Very hot foods
- Embarrassment, anger, and stress
- Spicy foods
- Certain medications
- Hot baths
- Exposure to the sun
- Use of alcohol
- Exposure to harsh soaps
If you have rosacea, you can’t eliminate the symptoms completely by just avoiding these triggers. Fortunately, other treatment options are available. Depending on your needs and the severity of your rosacea, Dr. Piantanida may recommend:
- Oral antibiotics, which bring down inflammation
- Topical medicines, which may reduce redness and swelling
- Photo-rejuvenation, which uses light to improve symptoms
- Accutane
Does rosacea ever go away?
Rosacea is usually chronic, coming in cycles of flare-ups and remission throughout your life. With the right combination of treatments, however, you can minimize the intensity and length of your flare-ups. During periods of remission, you may not need as many medications as you need during a flare-up.
