Did you know that April is Rosacea Awareness Month? Although rosacea is becoming more widespread, few people understand the condition, including how to recognize it, treat it, or improve it. If left untreated, rosacea’s effects on personal appearance can lead to significant social, psychological, or occupational concerns. Let’s learn more about this very common, yet misunderstood skin condition.
Understanding Rosacea
Did you know that April is Rosacea Awareness Month? Although rosacea is becoming more widespread, few people understand the condition, including how to recognize it, treat it, or improve it. If left untreated, rosacea’s effects on personal appearance can lead to significant social, psychological, or occupational concerns. Let’s learn more about this very common, yet misunderstood skin condition.
What is it?
Rosacea is a skin condition that first appears as redness or blushing in the face – usually on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Over time, the redness becomes more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear in these areas. As the condition progresses, red bumps or pimples may also develop on the skin. Because of this, rosacea is often misdiagnosed as acne.
How Common is this Condition?
Rosacea affects approximately 1.6 million Canadians, in particular those who are fair-skinned and who blush easily. These individuals are often of northern European descent (i.e. English, Irish, Scottish). This condition typically appears after age thirty and tends to affect more women than men.
What Causes this Condition?
The cause of rosacea is unknown, however, scientists believe it may be attributed to one or more of the following:
- Blood vessel or connective tissue disorder
- Microscopic skin mites, fungus, or bacteria
- Genetic predisposition
- Abnormal immune or inflammatory response
- Sun damage of the connective tissue under the skin
Rosacea sufferers often find that certain triggers will cause their condition to flare-up, where there is an intense outbreak of redness, bumps, or pimples. Triggers may include:
- Weather – sun, cold, heat, humidity
- Food/Drink – hot beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate, dairy products, spinach
- Intense exercise
- Stress
- Medical conditions – fever, colds, cough, menopause/hot flashes
- Medications
By identifying and controlling the triggers that cause their flare-ups, people with rosacea may be able to manage their symptoms better and slow the progression of the disorder.
How GraceMed can help with Rosacea
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for rosacea. However, there are treatments available that can significantly reduce symptoms and keep the condition under control. These include:
- Laser and light treatments to reduce redness (Intense Pulsed Light, vein removal)
- Use of medical-grade skincare products to reduce inflammation
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical medications (antibiotics, steroids)
- Daily use of mineral sunblock
If you suffer from rosacea and wish to explore your options, it would be beneficial to schedule a consultation with one of our Dermatologists or skincare professionals for a comprehensive skin analysis. It is likely that one or a combination of the above treatment options will effectively reduce visible redness, and help you regain control of your skin and self-confidence.
