What exactly is rosacea?
You thought you finally outgrew the days of bad skin and pimples?
Well, unfortunately, think again!
Many adults suffer from acne in their late twenties and thirties, even if they never experienced the problem in their teens.
There are generally two types of adult acne:
The exact cause is unknown, but it has many triggering factors.
It is estimated that up to 85% of the American population between the ages of 12 to 24 years of age have suffered from some form of Acne Vulgaris.
However, only about 5% of the population, or 13 million people, experience the aggravation and "rosy" cheeks of Acne Rosacea.
Acne Rosacea is a skin condition that is generally restricted to the face and eyes. It generally affects people between the ages of 30 to 60 years old.
While symptoms vary greatly in type and severity, the "typical" condition can exhibit one or many more of the following:
The good news is that it can be controlled with treatment.
The goal of rosacea treatments is to minimize the symptoms and reduce sensitivity of the skin and eyes.
The first step in determining a rosacea treatment regimen is to identify possible "triggers", which will be different for each individual.
Some common "triggers" may include hot baths, exercise, wind, cold weather, diet and certain skin products. Though this is by no means a comprehensive list.
The key to relief is to identify those conditions which tend to aggravate your Rosacea.
Easier said then done, you say?
Not really.
The National Rosacea Society recommends that you maintain a symptom diary. The purpose of your diary is to record what was eaten, the activity or the conditions immediately prior to the onset of a Rosacea flare-up.
Over a few weeks time, you should start to see a pattern form that will give you insight into your own "triggers".
Of course, once you have these "triggers" identified, you can avoid these conditions by modifying your lifestyle or eating habits. Other factors can also contribute to the exacerbation of Rosacea and should be avoided if at all possible.
These factors include:
Besides avoiding known "triggers", more severe symptoms can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics. Other medications, similar to vitamin A, are utilized in more extreme cases and are only available through your dermatologist.
Always consult with your doctor about the pros and cons of using any DIY home rosacea treatment to ensure that your therapeutic treatment plan best suits your specific skin type and presenting symptoms.
Author:
Bill Wilson is a Health and Beauty writer who focuses on rosacea treatment, treatment alternatives for skin and hair issues.