How To Identify And Manage Symptoms Of Rosacea

Flushing is a normal, involuntary physiological reaction that causes the face, neck, and upper chest to redden. The visual change is often accompanied by a warm sensation. This is part of the body’s fight or flight response and often occurs due to intense emotional states, such as embarrassment, anxiety, or anger. If , however, you experience persistent blushing that is combined with other painful symptoms, the problem may be rosacea. This chronic, inflammatory skin disorder often has a negative emotional, psychological, and social impact on those who have it. In Dallas, the dermatology office of Dr. Ellen Turner routinely works with patients who not only want to treat their symptoms, but who want to better understand the condition that impacts their daily life. 

Dealing with rosacea can be stressful and inconvenient, especially if you have major social engagements planned, as it is difficult to predict exactly when flare-ups will occur. To make matters worse, the redness can spread to other parts of the skin or remain permanently in some areas. 

The symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person, depending on the subtype and level of severity, but the most obvious sign is continual redness in the central area of the face, appearing for several minutes at a time. Sufferers tend to flush easily, and their skin is hypersensitive to external stimuli. Facial swelling sometimes occurs due to excess fluid build-up. Episodes typically recur over a span of several months or more.  

The four main types of rosacea include: 

·         erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, associated with redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels

·         papulopustular rosacea, which causes redness, swollen skin, and bumps

·         phymatous rosacea, which results in thickening of the skin and formation of a bumpy texture

·         ocular rosacea, manifesting as eye redness, swelling, irritation, and blurred vision   

The characteristic traits of rosacea—such as red skin, swollen bumps, and scaly patches—often mimic those of other conditions. Some of the disorders rosacea is commonly mistaken for include seborrheic eczema, acne, lupus, and psoriasis. If you believe your continual facial flushing is linked to an underlying medical condition, it’s best to consult a specialist who can provide a definitive diagnosis. While no clinical test for rosacea exists, dermatologists can draw conclusions after assessing the skin and discussing your personal experiences.  

Though the cause of rosacea has yet to be identified, and there is no known cure for the disorder, there are a number of possible triggers that are believed to start or intensify breakouts. These include certain activities, environments, dietary habits, personal products, and even emotions. Weather-related factors—like sunlight, wind, humidity, and temperature changes—often promote flare-ups. Hot foods and drinks, seasonings, and spices can be bad for rosacea. 

If you are light-skinned, have other family members with rosacea, or have Scandinavian or Celtic ancestry, this might make you more susceptible to rosacea. The condition may also be related to abnormally high populations of microscopic skin mites known as demodex folliculorum, or the presence of a type of gut bacteria known as H. pylori. 

No matter the cause, it’s important to begin treatments as early as possible, as symptoms may become more difficult to manage in their more advanced stages and with increased age.  

Your experiences with rosacea can be greatly improved by implementing a preventative skin care routine, taking steps to avoid triggers, and using certain medications. Some patients find it helpful to keep a food or exercise diary to help them determine possible triggers. Your physician may also recommend swapping high-intensity exercise (which encourages blood vessel dilation) for low or moderate-intensity workouts. These steps can help to reduce the severity and frequency of the problem.  

That said, each person’s symptoms are unique to them. Taking an individualized approach, physicians often prescribe medications to counteract the effects of the condition. These may consist of topical creams or gels, oral antibiotics, and even oral acne drugs to reduce facial redness.  

Ready to discover more about rosacea and other common skin conditions? In Dallas, get answers from Dr. Ellen Turner’s dermatology office, where the team takes an individualized approach, treating rosacea with photorejuvenation and picosecond lasers. To book a consultation, call (214) 373-7546 or visit her website to submit information online via a contact form.