All You Need To Know About Rosacea
According to the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, more than 3 million people are affected by a certain skin condition called rosacea. The skin condition often first presents as red patches on the skin. In fact, many people often confuse these patches with sunburn. Besides that, people often mix the effects of rosacea with acne and other skin conditions.
But rosacea is an entirely different skin condition. While it is most common among fair-skinned people, there have been cases found in people of colour as well. In fact, some estimates suggest that around 10 percent of the world’s human population suffer with it, making it not unusual.
Rosacea - What is it?
TAs said before, rosacea is a skin condition that appears as redness on the skin. But that’s not the only symptom. Other common symptoms of the condition include red blotches, pimples, bumps and slight swelling on the central area of the face, nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin. Besides these symptoms, rosacea is also known to cause swelling and pronounced follicles on the nose and redness, stinging and dryness around and in the eyes.
It is also categorized as a chronic inflammatory disease of hair follicles and blood vessels, characterized by red and flushed skin, inflamed papules and pustules, and a feeling of burning. As for what causes rosacea, there is no final answer. But there are various factors and underlying health conditions that might aggravate it by increasing the amount of blood flow to the skin’s surface.
According to some clinical studies, rosacea can be triggered by emotional stress, changes in the weather or climate, prolonged exposure to the sun, unsafe skincare and makeup products, etc.
Types of Rosacea
Rosacea is categorized into four main types. These include:
1. ETR: This type of rosacea appears as permanent redness and visible vessels and/or intermittent flushing on the chin, cheeks, nose and/or forehead. Along with that, it also dilates blood vessels that increases skin sensitivity, temperature intolerance, and rough and scaling/dry skin.
2. Papulo-Pustular Rosacea: Type 2 presents with all of the symptoms of Type 1 rosacea with the addition of acne-like breakouts on and around inflamed areas.
3. Phymatous Rosacea: This type of rosacea is characterized by thickening of the skin. Symptoms include bumpy skin and open pores along with the skin beginning to thicken mainly on the nose. But these symptoms may also affect the chin, cheeks, ears, and the forehead.
4. Ocular Rosacea: Lastly, this type of rosacea – as the name suggests- has several symptoms that affect the eyes and the skin around them. This can include dry and irritated eyes and itchy and swollen eyelids with recurring styes and a sensation of burning and tearing.
Rosacea Treatment
One important thing to remember here is rosacea is treatable with intervention. It does not resolve on its own or with over-the-counter products. Also, if you ignore it for long or leave it untreated, it might even worsen. So it’s incredibly important that you go to a Physician if any signs of rosacea appear on your skin.
The doctor will run some tests to rule out other conditions and give the right diagnosis. After that, they might use IPL photography and other topical or systemic medical treatments to improve the symptoms. If you live in Edmonton and areas , Excellence Medical and Skin care Clinic provides proper rosacea treatment facilities. You can give us a call HERE or drop in at the clinic to book an appointment..