Rosacea affects between 2-5% of the UK population according to NHS Direct and around 14 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS). It is an upsetting and uncomfortable skin condition that affects a sufferer's quality of life. The exact cause is not known but it has been linked to various factors and triggers.
Rosacea Triggers
Rosacea has been linked to various factors, according to the NRS: -
- Ethnicity – it tends to affect fair-skinned and Northern European populations.
- Sufferers have more skin mites on the face (Demodex Folliculorum). These live on our skin and are harmless.
- A type of bacteria, called H Pylori, which is found in the digestive system.
- Lack of circulation in the facial area, and blood vessels that dilate too easily.
- Sun damage.
- Genetic links – 40% of rosacea sufferers surveyed by the NRS said they have a relative with the condition.
- Lifestyle factors such as stress and overuse of cosmetics and skincare products.
- Dietary factors – spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine are common culprits.
It can be helpful to keep a diary to note any food, product or activity that triggers a flare-up or is making your skin worse.
Common Symptoms of Rosacea
Symptoms can come and go and you may find that the condition is easier to manage at certain times of the year – e.g. when the weather is milder. The NRS Consensus Committee and Medical Review Panel describe the following primary signs of rosacea: -
- Flushing and blushing of the skin
- Facial redness
- Bumps and pimples
- Visible blood vessels on the skin
Other symptoms include eye irritation (ocular rosacea), tight and dry skin, red patches of skin, and thicker skin around the nose (rhinophyma).
Treating Rosacea
It’s important to tackle rosacea early on as it can progress from mild redness to a more severe case within a year or so. Your dermatologist will be able to diagnose and advise on a skin care routine and treatment that suits your skin type. The most common type of medication is oral antibiotics; these help reduce and control skin inflammation. Once the initial flare-up is under control you can move on to other types of medication. Laser and pulsed light therapy can help reduce the appearance of blood vessels on the cheeks.
Other recommended lifestyle changes include: -
- Diet and exercise – try and identify any trigger foods or drinks that are making it worse. Heat-producing foods such as caffeine and spices are a common trigger. Opt for cooling foods with high water content. Sugars and sweeteners can also disrupt the body’s chemistry.
- Skin care and makeup products – there are various beauty products on the market designed to help treat rosacea. Author Maggie Alderson, a long-term sufferer, advises that ‘less is more’. She has found it more effective to use fewer skin care products. Keep your routine simple.
- Complementary therapies such as acupuncture can be effective.
- Regular exercise – try Yoga and Tai’Chi, walking or swimming.
- Avoid perfume and perfumed makeup products. Mineral makeup is a popular alternative.
There is no cure for rosacea at present but it can be managed effectively through good skincare, lifestyle changes and medication. It can get worse if left untreated so it is important to seek advice and diagnosis early on.
Rosacea Resources
Books
Beating Rosacea: vascular, ocular and acne forms: a must-have guide to understanding and treating rosacea, by Dr Geoffrey Nase, Nase Publications; 1st edition 2001.
This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your health practitioner for specific guidance on a health issue.
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