Aug 22 2008
Acne Rosacea and why your Face is Always Red
Many people suffer from acne rosacea but are not aware of it. It shares some of the same features of acne, but acne rosacea is different. Despite its pretty name, acne rosacea seems to affect people of northwestern European descent with fair skin more than anyone else. It has actually been called the ‘Curse of the Celts’ in Ireland and acne rosacea affects more women than men between the ages of the thirty to sixty years old.
Acne rosacea symptoms
Acne rosacea is very easy to diagnosis and the symptoms are very distinct. You can spot acne rosacea when the sufferer has the following symptoms:
· Redness on the face and usually no where else on the body
· Slight inflammation of the skin
· Eruptions similar to pimples
· Roughening of the skin in the reddened area
· Advanced cases of redness can become semi-permanent
· Superficial blood vessels of the face will dilate
· Eyes can turn red
· Pimples or pustules worsen
· Skin burns or stings
· Patients can develop a red lobulated nose called rhinophyma – common mostly in male patients
Acne rosacea causes and who is most prone to get it
At last check, close to 15 million people in the United States alone suffered from acne rosacea, most of them white women. Medical researchers are unsure why this particular demographic group seems more prone to getting acne rosacea, but there has been evidence that points to the onset of menopause. If men do get acne rosacea they are the ones that develop the more severe cases.
The causes of acne rosacea – just like the causes of acne itself – are still a mystery to doctors and researchers. Some people who suffer from acne rosacea find that it can be aggravated by mild embarrassment an even stress. This leaves them with an almost schoolgirl blush at the age of thirty or older. Recently researchers have found a correlation between acne rosacea and high levels of peptide cathelicidin and stratum corneum tryptic enzymes. And what demographic had these elevated levels? Fair-skinned people of Celtic and European descent.
Acne rosacea triggers
Acne rosacea is usually triggered whenever a person gets flushed or blushes. Additionally, the following is a list of acne rosacea triggers that many people with the condition have learned to avoid:
· Extreme temperature changes
· Rigorous exercise
· Stress
· Sunburn
· Certain chemicals found in cosmetics
· Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine
· Spicy food
Acne rosacea suffers should be careful not to trigger their condition
Acne rosacea sufferers should avoid food and drink that triggers the condition or makes it worse. They should be aware of temperature changes and sunshine, avoid situations that are stressful, and exercise carefully. Sufferers should also use cosmetics and facial products that contain hypoallergenic ingredients to keep flare-ups to a minimum.
Sufferers of acne rosacea should also visit their dermatologist with their list of symptoms to see if there is something they can use to treat the condition. Doctors may prescribe a topical ointment or antibiotic, or even a cortisone cream that can help reduce inflammation and redness. In very extreme cases of acne rosacea, laser surgery may be necessary.