Jun 21, 2010
Rosacea is a chronic disease which afflicts over 16 million North Americans. Rosacea is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 65 but Rosacea has been known to afflict even children.
The people who are the most prone to acquiring Rosacea are fair skinned adults, women especially.
Rosacea is the chronic inflammation of mainly facial skin (cheeks, chin, forehead, nose) but can appear on the ears, neck, chest and scalp. More women are diagnosed with Rosacea, but men tend to have more severe symptoms, it is possilbe that this is because they delay seeking a Rosacea treatment until the condition reaches advanced stages.
Do not use any products or treatments that may irritate your skin such as exfoliants. A common mistake with this condition is to get it confused with acne. Do not treat this skin condition with an acne treatment, use products that are specifically formulated to be Rosacea treatments.
In some cases, Rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. Over time, the redness becomes more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear and skin condition may become rough with scar tissue. Failure to seek treatment for Rosacea can result in bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Rosacea treatment products are available to help reduce the frequency of flare ups and contain their severity
Although Rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disease is more frequently diagnosed in women, but more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men — perhaps because they often delay seeking medical help until the disorder reaches advanced stages.
While there is no cure and the cause is unknown, medical therapies are available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have Rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate Rosacea treatment. Rosacea’s redness is not to be confused with that of stretch marks.
Will you develop Rosacea later in life?
There is no way to tell if you will develop Rosacea as you age. You don’t need to be old to have Rosacea as it can have an early onset age (though typically it develops in your late 20′s or older). The important thing is to use a rosacea treatment early as it can progress and leave permanent damage.
What Should I Look For?
It can vary substantially from one individual to another, and in most cases some rather than all of the potential signs and symptoms appear. According to a consensus committee and review panel of 17 medical experts worldwide, it always includes at least one of the following primary signs, and various secondary signs and symptoms may also develop.
Primary Signs of Rosacea
* Flushing
Many people with it have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may come and go, and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.* Persistent Redness
Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.* Bumps and Pimples
Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.* Visible Blood Vessels
In many people with it, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.
Other Potential Signs and Symptoms
* Eye Irritation
In many people with this skin condition, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot, a condition known as Ocular Rosacea. The eyelids also may become red and swollen, and styes are common. Severe cases can result in corneal damage and vision loss without medical help.* Burning or Stinging
Burning or stinging sensations may often occur on the face. Itching or a feeling of tightness may also develop.* Dry Appearance
The central facial skin may be rough, and thus appear to be very dry.* Plaques
Raised red patches, known as plaques, may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.* Skin Thickening
The skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men than women.
Related Websites
- Webpages on rosacea treatment
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