YOU MIGHT HAVE ROSACEA.
April is Rosacea Awareness Month. Rosacea is a common skin condition that primarily affects the center of the face, and many people are unaware that they have it. It manifests as inflammation in the skin, and can range from mild redness and sensitivity to extreme irritation and acne.
Symptoms
• Redness and visible blood vessels.
• Small, red, pus-filled bumps.
• Eye problems such as red, dry, irritated, and swollen eyelids.
• Enlarged nose. This occurs more often in men than in women.
Causes/Triggers
While Rosacea is primarily genetic, there are many triggers that can make it worse:
• Spicy foods.
• Hot drinks, red wine, and alcohol.
• Sun, wind, and temperature extremes.
• Drugs that dilate the blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications.
• Overly harsh skin care products.
Treatments
The good news is that while Rosacea is not curable, it is treatable. A combination of diet, skin care, and medication can help dramatically reduce inflammation, depending on the severity. See your esthetician or dermatologist to help create a program just for you.