While other medical conditions may be familiar to most people, some aren’t quite always heard by ear too much. Although common, the name isn’t commonly heard in some places. I want to talk about a skin condition not heard a lot, “rosacea.” A skin condition that is quite embarrassing and bothersome. Let’s get started shall we?
Rosacea, pronounced “roz-ay-sha” is actually a common skin condition that presents itself as red and acne-like. As it is common, it is also chronic, and incurable. Rosacea can have periodic flares and remissions and the symptoms tend to come and go ever once in a while. This skin condition initially affects the central third of a person’s face most especially the nose. As it could be mistaken for having rosy cheeks, sunburns or quite often acne.
At least 16 million people in the United States alone are actually diagnosed with rosacea and there is a growing number as the years go by. Rosacea isn’t the traditional teenage acne because it affects mostly adults. It’s more like adults not “outgrowing” their teenage acne. It is also not contagious or infectious. So no worries about spreading this skin condition to other people around you.
What causes rosacea?
While the actual cause is still a mystery but known to involve the dilation of the small blood vessels in the face, the usually causes of this skin condition are said to be the following:
- Fair skinned individuals
- English, Irish or Scottish heredities
- Genetic factors with a positive family history of this condition
- Menopause can also be a said factor
- Heat or frequent sun exposure
- Cold temperatures
- Spicy or hot foods
- Alcohol
- Emotional stress and anxiety
- Medications that can cause blood vessel dilation
A list of foods and other triggers to avoid:
- Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and sour cream
- Chocolates
- Avocados, spinach and eggplants
- Soy sauces
- Alcohol such as gin, beer, vodka, red wine and champagne
- Some beans such as lima, peas, navy and pods
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes, bananas, raisins, figs and red plums
- Peppermint
- Menthol
- Salicylic acid
- Eucalyptus oil
How is it diagnosed?
Your dermatologist will start by examining the skin on your face. A skin biopsy may also be done to differentiate rosacea from other skin conditions that causes blood vessel dilation. If the eyes are affected, the ophthalmologist may also be needed for examination.
How is it treated?
Your healthcare professional may prescribe you with medications to prevent the worsening of this condition but it has no sure. But with the proper rosacea treatment and management, the symptoms can be controlled.
What are the symptoms associated to rosacea?
- Red, tiny pimples-like bumps on the facial skin that appear in areas of the forehead, chin, lower half of the nose
- Flushed, red face that may be sensitive
- Skin that gets thicker and coarser with a bumpy texture
- Dry, red and irritated eyes
In more severe cases, rosacea may cause permanent effects such as thickening of the face and even loss of vision. Knobby bumps on the person’s nose termed as “rhinophyma” may also start to form.
Safe and helpful natural home remedies for rosacea:
- Eat healthy. Yes, having a balance diet is always an important and very easy natural remedy to follow for any condition. Nutritional deficiencies may worsen rosacea. Prevent eating foods with trans-fat, sugar, diary, gluten and corn syrup. Focus on whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, fruits and veggies.
- Chamomile. You can purchase chamomile tea bags at health stores or grocery stores. Get at least 3-5 tea bags and combine it with three cups of boiling water for at least 10 minutes, then stick it in the refrigerator. When you feel like you need a cold compress, get a cotton cloth and dip it in the chamomile and apply it to affected area.
- Lavender oil. Before using this natural treatment, make sure you aren’t allergic. You can use this type of oil to clean the affected areas of your skin. First off, wash your face and pat dry. Do not rub dry! Apply a small amount of this oil to the affected area. You can use a cotton ball and dip a little portion of it and gently massage it around your face. Repeat this every day because lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components.
- Green tea. You can purchase green tea extract at local herbal stores to help reduce symptoms of rosacea. You can also try to find green tea infused cream to use as a moisturizer for your face. Apply the cream twice daily to the affected areas of skin. AVOID using green tea when you are pregnant, nursing, having heart, kidney and stomach problems. Consult your doctor before use.
- Oatmeal facial. Oatmeal has the ability to cleanse, soothe the irritation and moisturizes. It could also treat itchiness and help in reducing inflammation. Mix a small amount of oatmeal with cool water, depending on how big the affected area is and apply it to your face for 5-10 minutes.
- Tea tree oil. Since tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components, it may kill germs and keep the inflammation minimal. Use it like you would lavender oil as mentioned above. But do take caution when using this natural remedy especially if you are allergic. Consult your dermatologist before use.
- White vinegar facial. Since vinegar is to be a natural disinfectant and can kill yeast and bacteria, it is a good natural remedy for rosacea. Try mixing 1 part regular table vinegar to around 6 parts of water. You can then use this to cleanse your face daily. But before using this on a daily basis, make sure you can tolerate it and aren’t allergic.
- H2O. A general rule to keep your skin well hydrated and healthy! Stick to 8 glasses of water every day. The more the better!
While this article was written to help you in understanding more about rosacea and its natural remedies, click on the image link below to gain more in-depth knowledge you need to control this skin condition. Gaining is always a great thing! So click and read away!
meital says
Red light therapy was also found to be very helpful for rosacea sufferers. It speeds up healing and regeneration of the skin and it’s almost always helpful atleast for blemishes.