KNOWING ROSACEA
Rosacea is a disorder of the blood vessels. It is a common skin disorder. Approximately 48 percent of the world population suffers from Rosacea. However, Rosacea is one of the most misunderstood states of the skin.
FAMOUS PERSONS SUFFERING FROM ROSACEA
If you are having Rosacea, you are then in the august company of eminent persons. A few of the noted personalities suffering from Rosacea are JP Morgan, WC Fields, Cameron Diaz, Bill Clinton, Prince Harry of England, besides the late princess of Wales and mother of Prince Harry – Diana.
ROSACEA SYMPTOMS
The common symptom of rosacea is transformation of the skin color into red. The body portions most affected by rosacea are the cheeks, nose and forehead. At times, such redness and flushing of skin can also spread to the ears, scalp, chest or the neck.
As Rosacea progresses, the reddish tinge can turn into a permanent condition. There can also be a marked visibility of the small blood vessels particularly at the skin surface, stinging or burning skin sensation, eyes turning gritty and reddish, and pus-filled or simple bumps that appear red. Among these severe symptoms are bulbous noses. The maiden rosacea symptoms are nagging redness which is often wrongly attributed to cleansing, exercising or temperature changes.
SIMILAR SKIN DISORDERS
Many confuse rosacea with seborrheic dermatitis or/and acne vulgaris. Mentionably, rosacea can co-exist with acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis.
THE ROSACEA VULNERABLE SECTION
It has been generally noticed that the people with fair skin are the most vulnerable section with reference to rosacea. Therefore, rosacea does have a hereditary strain. Those having a descent from the Celtic or the fair-skinned European stocks are genetically inclined to suffer from rosacea.
Notably, both the sexes can fall prey to rosacea. People of all ages can be affected by rosacea. It has also been noticed that people in the age group of 30-50 are easily affected by rosacea. Nonetheless, women in their middle ages are the most vulnerable section of the populace. The reason is, of course, menopause-abetted hot flushes. However, rosacea symptoms are more severe with reference to men.
CAUSES OF ROSACEA
There is no unanimity among the medical researchers as to the exact rosacea pathogenesis. Nonetheless, there is a concurrence in views insofar as to the cause of rosacea. Rosacea occurs when stimuli repeatedly dilate the blood vessels, and as a result of which the blood vessels get damaged. The damaged blood vessels dilate rather easily. Besides they either remain permanently dilated or stay dilated for a considerably long time. The consequence is redness of the affected portion and its flushing.
ROSACEA PAPULES OR INFLAMMATORY PUSTULES
The papule or inflammatory pustule can be I the form of a boil, or a pimple, or an eruption for that matter. In rosacea (papulopustular), the mediators (inflammatory ones) as well as immune cells ooze out from the skin bed that is basically micro-vascular by nature. This, in turn, leads to the inflammatory pustule or papule.
OTHER CAUSES OF ROSACEA
Various conditions can also lead to rosacea. One thing is for sure: strenuous movements cause blushing and flushing. A few of the situations where such flushing or blushing can be formed are as follows: Stress, cold weather, acute sunburn, and extreme heat exposure especially from the sun. Rosacea can also be caused by sudden changes in temperatures while traveling, or in heated rooms especially in winter.
FOODS CAN ALSO CAUSE ROSACEA
Certain food items that contain very high quantity of histamine have been identified as responsible for the eruption of rosacea symptoms in many people. Similarly, spicy food besides alcoholic substances can definitely trigger off rosacea.
MEDICATIONS TOO CAN LEAD TO ROSACEA
Several topical irritants and medications may at times cause rosacea. Take for example several drugs people take to hide wrinkles or to deal with acnes. Among these chemicals those particularly responsible for causing rosacea are tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin, microdermabrasion, and certain chemical peels.
Obviously, one should immediately stop the use of any such irritants the moment any rosacea symptoms appear.
INDUCED (STEROID) ROSACEA
The term ‘steroid induced rosacea’ points to such rosacea symptoms that are caused by steroids, particularly nasal and topical. Notably, these types of steroids are generally prescribed for patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.
First aid: In such circumstances, immediately consult the physician. Moreover, one should begin the medication discontinuing process over a period of time. Decrease the dosages slowly. Else there may be a flare up of the rosacea symptoms. retin-a cream uk