Rosacea – From First Symptoms to Treatment

There are many individuals walking around with rosacea and they do not know they have this facial skin disease. Are you one of them?

Take a look at the following symptoms, if you can recognize that you have one or more of them, and then perhaps you do have Rosacea.

Here is the list, are you ready to check off your symptoms?

A burning or stinging sensation felt on your face

After I blush there is a leftover persistent redness

I am not a teen, but I have what looks like pimples on my face

I have tiny blood vessel lines showing on my face

My eyes feel uncomfortable, gritty-like

The skin on my nose feels like it is thicker than I previously remember it being.

How did you do? Can you check off one or more of the above symptoms? If so, contact your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.

Once diagnosed, the goal of your treatment plan is to help you understand more about your rosacea, identify and then avoid or at least lessen the affect that the factors that cause your flushing have on you in order to control your rosacea. You will also actively seek to control any symptoms or signs of the disease. Lastly, the goal of your treatment plan is to convince you, that rosacea is indeed a chronic condition.

At the time of your diagnosis, your doctor or dermatologist will sit down with you and design your treatment plan based on your severity of rosacea and your lifestyle. You will be given some guidelines to follow that will help you to avoid the factors that are most likely to increase your core body temperature such as prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions, hot food or drinks and also limiting your intake of alcohol. You will be advised about your level of exercising and how to avoid becoming overheated such as remembering to warm up, cool down, and hydrate before, during and after exercising. You will be advised concerning which medications to avoid that can expand your blood vessels such as topical steroids, and vasodilating drugs. Lastly, your doctor will cover some of the cosmetics or facial products to avoid using because they can irritate your skin such as those that are greasy, perfumed or have a drying effect (alcohol content).

Skin care:

While cleansing your facial skin, use non-irritating cleansers recommended by your dermatologist. Avoid using hot water; do not use loofahs or rough towels that can be abrasive.

If you use makeup, use anti-redness cream or cosmetic cover-up.

It can be very helpful to locate and join rosacea support groups in your local area.

Treatment:

Mild rosacea is typically treated with topical medications. The moderate rosacea is usually treated with a combination of topical therapy and oral medication. Antibiotics and creams will not be effective for the flushing, or the broken facial blood vessels. There is antiflushing medication and laser surgery for the broken blood vessels. Eye involvement is treated with oral medication and antibiotics. Excessive thickening of the skin on the nose and other skin areas can be treated with laser treatments.

Recommended Reading

1. What to do if you notice symptoms of Rosacea
2. Causes and Symptoms to Expect When You Have Rosacea
3. Finding the Right Treatment for Your Rosacea
4. Do You Have Rosacea?
5. Skin Disorder Rosacea