Rosacea is a common condition that mainly affects the facial skin and induces redness on your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Although there is no specific test to diagnose rosacea, your Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street doctor will thoroughly examine your signs and symptoms and record your medical history. The presence of swollen blood vessels will distinguish it from other skin conditions. Furthermore, early diagnosis and care are essential to manage rosacea and prevent its progression.
An overview of rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin illness that affects over 16 million individuals in the United States. Rosacea’s etiology is unclear, and there is no treatment; however, research has enabled doctors to discover new ways to manage the illness by reducing its symptoms. Rosacea is classified into four subgroups. Each subtype has a distinct set of signs, and it is possible to simultaneously have many subtypes of rosacea.
Tiny, red, pus-filled pimples distinguish rosacea on the skin that appears during flare-ups. Rosacea primarily affects the skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead, while flare-ups frequently occur in cycles. This means you will have symptoms for weeks or months, and then they will go away and come back.
Prevalent types of rosacea
The four types of rosacea include the following:
1. Subtype one, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), is characterized by facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
2. Subtype two, papulopustular (or acne) rosacea, is associated with acne-like breakouts and commonly occurs in middle-aged women.
3. Subtype three, known as rhinophyma, is a rare type characterized by the thickening of the skin on your nose. It generally affects men and is frequently accompanied by another subtype of rosacea.
4. Subtype four is called ocular rosacea, and its indicators are centered on your eye area.
Causes of rosacea
The precise cause of rosacea is unclear; however, several theories exist. One notion is that rosacea is a symptom of a more general blood vessel problem. According to other beliefs, the illness is caused by tiny skin mites, fungi, psychological causes, or a malfunction of the connective tissue beneath the skin. Although no one knows what causes rosacea, certain factors and conditions might trigger it.
Who is at risk of developing rosacea?
People with fair skin and a tendency to blush easily may be predisposed to rosacea. Adults over 30 are more likely to be afflicted, although rosacea can occur in adolescents and toddlers on rare occasions. Also, a rosacea family history raises the incidence of the illness. Furthermore, rosacea is more common in women, although males tend to have more severe symptoms.
Preventing rosacea
You cannot prevent rosacea since the cause is unknown. However, those with rosacea can increase their odds of remission by recognizing and eliminating lifestyle and environmental variables that worsen particular problems or cause rosacea flare-ups.
Rosacea has no cure; however, you can manage it with medication. Since rosacea affects everyone differently, figuring out how to manage your illness might take time. However, the best strategy to prevent an outbreak is to work with your doctor to build a treatment plan and avoid your triggers. Call 19th Street Integrated Dermatology or book your consultation online to determine which rosacea therapies are best for you.