Many people think that skin-care problems are left behind in our teen years. This misconception can lead to embarrassment and confusion when it turns out to be untrue. To shed some light, let's take a look at one of the world's most common skin conditions.
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes chronic flushing of the face due to visible blood vessels. In some cases, it may also produce acne-like bumps. Signs and symptoms flare up for weeks or even months at a time. Rosacea is frequently mistaken for acne, eczema or even thought to be the result of poor hygiene — but that couldn't be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that rosacea can affect anyone.
Between a lack of public understanding and the causes of this skin condition being unknown, people who are affected by rosacea often experience embarrassment. But the reality is that it's very common. The prevalence of rosacea in fair-skinned populations is estimated to be up to 22%. And while rosacea most often affects fair-skinned women, cases are still prevalent in men and darker skinned populations.
There are multiple types of rosacea, and they often overlap with one another. Understanding the key differences can help you find the treatment you need.
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Types of rosacea
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Persistent redness and visible blood vessels on the face.
- Papulopustular rosacea. "Whitehead" pustules, which are filled blemishes and swollen bumps.
- Phymatous rosacea. Causes the skin to thicken and scar, making it bumpy, swollen and sometimes discolored.
- Ocular rosacea. Affects the eyes, causing them to look watery or bloodshot.
Cause of rosacea
While the cause of rosacea is unknown, it has been linked to an overactive immune system, heredity, environmental factors or a combination of these. It's important to understand that rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and that it is not a contagious condition. Rosacea flare-ups may be triggered by:
- Hot drinks and spicy foods
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels
- Extreme temperatures
- Sun or wind exposure
- Physical exercise
- Some cosmetic products
Rosacea and face masks
For a skin condition like rosacea, additional irritation will exacerbate the symptoms. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, wearing a mask for long hours has been linked to exacerbation of rosacea. Proper skin care is especially important when dealing with additional irritants, such as harsh fibers. Luckily, there is no evidence to suggest that face masks cause the skin condition — just that they can aggravate preexisting cases.
Whether you've experienced more rosacea flare-ups lately or your skin is drying out, don't let embarrassment come between you and the many treatment options available. If you are experiencing persistent rosacea symptoms, make an appointment at El Camino Health for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
This article first appeared in the April 2022 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
