We all have to deal with facial redness from time to time. It usually isn’t a big deal, but there are times when it can indicate a real medical problem. We encourage people who suffer from frequent facial redness to get in touch with a doctor to see if they have rosacea, especially if other skin problems are present.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness. It usually starts around the nose and cheeks, but it can spread to the rest of the face and even to the torso. Many people also develop other symptoms, with the details varying from case to case.
It is a long-term condition, and we don’t have a way to cure it completely. On the other hand, there are a lot of things that people can do to get the symptoms under control and prevent the problem from getting worse. That means that it is vital to learn how to recognize the symptoms in order to get them under control as quickly as possible.
Recognizing Rosacea
There are no simple tests to recognize cases of rosacea. We can use them to rule out some of the alternatives, but we ultimately make the diagnosis based on the visible symptoms and how the patient feels.
Rosacea can manifest in four different ways. Each one has its own set of symptoms, all of which begin with redness.
The first type tends to cause sensitive skin. People who have it suffer from redness and flushing around their cheeks, which often display spidery patterns of broken veins. The skin may swell, sting or burn. It can also get dry or start to flake.
The second type resembles acne. It tends to come and go over time. The skin can be sensitive or painful in the same way as the first type, but it can also develop raised patches. The skin often gets oily and shows spidery lines along the veins.
Type three is much less common and most people who suffer from it show symptoms of another type first. The skin tends to develop a bumpy texture and thicken. Large pores and oiliness are also common. This type usually develops on the nose, but it can occur on other parts of the face.
The fourth and final type is really an eye disease, called ocular rosacea. The eyes start to feel dry, gritty and itchy. They get very sensitive to light and patients tend to suffer from blurred vision. Cysts can even develop on the eyelids.
Prevention and Treatment
People can control their rosacea through lifestyle changes. Sun protection is vital, and we encourage everyone to wear protective clothes, wear sunscreen and avoid spending too long in bright sunlight. Many people also have specific triggers that can lead to flare ups. Doctors can often identify those triggers. Avoiding them can help to prevent attacks. Some people can also get relief by adjusting their skin care regimen. There are a lot of little tweaks that can help, so we encourage people to get in touch with a medical professional to start finding the ones that will work for them.
