Controlling The Symptoms of Rosacea

Answer 1

Rosacea is a skin disease that causes the skin of the face to become red and break out with pimples. These symptoms come and go and can also affect the eyes, causing soreness and burning. Left untreated, symptoms can worsen. Although there is no cure for this skin disease, there are ways to control breakouts and symptoms. It is unknown as to why certain people are affected by this disease although some experts believe it may be caused due to hereditary factors in individuals with fair skin. Common triggers that cause breakout episodes include sun exposure, exercise, stress, alcohol use and extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

Importance of Controlling Rosacea

Controlling the symptoms of Rosacea, which include stinging and burning as well as flushing and bumps or pimples on the nose, cheeks, forehead and mouth can be controlled using medications and avoiding triggers that cause breakouts. Without treatment, Rosacea can become severe resulting in advanced Rosacea, also known as rhinophyma. This causes the nose to swell and appear waxy looking. Although this is rare, reducing the risk of rhinophyma can be done by controlling outbreaks.

Treating Rosacea

Rosacea can be controlled with long-term medications. These include antibiotics, both pills and creams. Studies have shown that using antibiotic therapy does reduce breakout episodes. Medications should be used daily, whether a breakout has occurred or not. If skin becomes damaged due to previous episodes, surgical procedures such as laser, dermabrasion and cryosurgery can be performed. Discovering what triggers an episode is vital in controlling this skin disease. Individuals should pay close attention to what possibly could have caused the breakout. Keeping a diary can help pinpoint triggers so they can be avoided. Rosacea sufferers also need to take special precautions with their skin. This includes using a good sunscreen that is rated SPF 15 or higher, using cosmetics that are made for sensitive skin and avoiding all products that can irritate the facial skin. Eye care is also important and should include using artificial tears if eyes become dry as well as using a gentle eyewash on eyelids.

Treating Damaged Skin Caused By Rosacea

Laser therapy can be used to reduce the visible effects caused by breakouts. This includes severe facial redness and blood vessels that have become visible. Vascular lasers use light wavelengths that emit heat to the blood vessels, which cause them to disappear. Depending on how severe the blood vessel appearance has become as well as redness, repeat treatments may be needed. For larger areas of damaged skin, new devices that work similarly to lasers can be used to treat damaged skin.