April is Rosacea Awareness Month. But what is rosacea? What triggers rosacea? And how can rosacea be treated? It may be a condition you’re not familiar with, or on the contrary, all too familiar with. Here, we hope to clarify all of the above, debunking any myths and raise awareness of the condition.
So, what is rosacea? By definition of NHS England, rosacea is a long term skin condition which manifests as redness, small bumps and spots resembling acne on the face caused by dilated blood vessels. Rosacea affects 1 in 10 people in the UK, and is more common in women however when affecting men, it tends to be more severe. It is a chronic, long-term condition, fluctuating in severity from one individual to another. Symptoms vary; red patches, visible blood vessels, warm, flushing sensations in the face, dryness around the eyes and, more often in men, swelling around the nose.
Despite research, the exact cause of rosacea is unknown. There are factors that may contribute to the severity of an individual's rosacea; genetics, environmental factors and immune system factors play a major part, however there are a number of other triggers that may contribute. For example;
Alcohol
Synthetic cosmetic products
Exercise, particularly more HIIT, aerobic exercises.
Stress
Caffeine
Spicy foods
Exposure to sun, and high/low temperatures.
Unfortunately, there is yet to be a cure for rosacea. Fortunately however, it can be managed using treatments and precautions. GPs often prescribe antibiotics, prescription creams, or offer a dermatologist referral. Alternatively, there are lifestyle adjustments that can be implemented to treat rosacea. These include wearing SPF daily to protect the face from harsh weather conditions, managing stress through mindfulness practices or avoiding stressful situations, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, not rubbing your face and avoiding excessive, intense exercise.
We know there is not only one type of rosacea! But you are not alone - researchers have attempted to determine the global prevalence of this widespread facial skin disorder, estimating around 415 million people who have rosacea around the world. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from rosacea, and it is out of your control, do see a GP for further advice.
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