Rosacea: An Irreversible Skin Condition

Overview

Rosacea is a skin condition that is often misinterpreted as blushing. It is, on the contrary, a state in which there are visible veins and small pus-filled bumps on the face. The signs and symptoms of papulopustular rosacea vary from person to person. The prevalence of rosacea in the US population is around 16 million, more common in the age group of 30 to 60 years. Rosacea is irreversible, however, there are various treatment options available that are helpful in the management of the condition. Additionally, many Clinical Research Organizations conduct clinical trials for dermatological conditions to find a potential treatment option. 

About Rosacea

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition, the cause of which is not exactly identified yet. However, certain triggers that cause a flare-up are:

• Exposure to sunlight,
• Stress,
• Strenuous exercise,
• Weather,
• Hot drinks, and 
• Certain foods. 

Symptoms of Papulopustular Rosacea

Rosacea symptoms usually begin with bouts of flushing where the skin turns red for a short time, meanwhile other symptoms develop as the disease progresses. Some of the symptoms include:

• Burning,
• Stinging,
• Spots, and
• Small blood vessels. 

A Complication of Rosacea: Rhinophyma

One of the most prominent complications of rosacea is rhinophyma. There is a noticeable swelling, redness, and enlargement of the nose. It results from untreated severe rosacea. The redness can also be observed on the cheeks. The symptoms of rhinophyma include:

• Enlarged pores,
• Noticeable oil glands,
• Thicker skin,
• Rough, uneven, yellow skin and
• Swelling of the nose with no improvement. 

How is Rosacea Diagnosed?

There is no exact test for the diagnosis of rosacea. Your doctor will ask you for your symptoms of papulopustular rosacea and on the basis of a physical examination, the diagnosis can be confirmed. However, your doctor may run some additional tests to rule out other skin conditions. 

Treatment of Rosacea

Rosacea is an irreversible condition that can not be eliminated but can be managed by an adequate treatment plan. Most of the time, a treatment plan consists of medications and a good skincare routine. Some of the medications that are usually prescribed are:

• Topical drugs: For mild symptoms, your doctor may prescribe you some topical gels to relieve the symptoms of redness and itchiness. These gels also reduce flushing by constricting blood vessels. 
• Oral antibiotics: For moderate to severe rosacea, doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics to alleviate bumps and pimples on the skin.
• Oral acne drug: If the symptoms of acne do not subside even with antibiotics, oral acne drugs are the last resort in such cases. These are potent drugs that are effective in treating acne and clearing up the skin.
• Laser therapy: This helps in making the enlarged vessels less visible and prominent. However, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure. 

How are Lifestyle Modifications Helpful in Rosacea?

In addition to medications, a few self-care practices can help cover and control symptoms of papulopustular rosacea. These include:

• Identify and avoid triggers: It is vital to identify your triggers so that appropriate action can be adopted to keep them at bay. 
• Take care of your skin: Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and covering your skin with sunscreen before going out in the sun are some of the important steps to protect and improve your skin. 
• Treat your skin gently: Skin is the most sensitive organ of your body.Touching or rubbing your skin frequently leads to the incorporation of germs into your skin, resulting in acne and pimples. 

Alternative Medicines

A gentle facial massage once a day could help to lessen edema and inflammation. Starting in the middle of the face, move your fingers in a circular motion in the direction of the ears.

According to a recent study, caffeine may lessen the risk of acquiring rosacea. However, hot drinks are frequently a trigger.

Numerous other complementary therapies, such as emu oil, laurelwood, and oregano oil, have been proposed as potential rosacea treatments. However, there is insufficient proof to prove that any of these drugs work.

Effects of Rosacea on Mental Health

Rosacea can be painful. You can feel self-conscious or nervous about how you look and retreat as a result. You can be irritated or frustrated by other people’s responses. Since flushing is the characteristic feature of rosacea, it oftentimes becomes a source of embarrassment for some people as they tend to get pointed out by others. 

We live in a society where we are judged on our appearance rather than intellect. Negative comments can leave a person depressed and take away their confidence. This resultantly leads to social anxiety and isolation. In such circumstances, it is always better to take into consideration discussing your feelings with a counselor.

Additionally, some self-help techniques can be utilized to ensure better mental health. These include:

• Meditation: A rosacea flare is frequently brought on by the stress of feeling self-conscious about your symptoms of papulopustular rosacea. Meditation, yoga, or even just taking a few slow, deep breaths might help you decompress and deal.
• Journaling: Journaling aids in symptom management and mood enhancement by assisting you to rank your issues, worries, and concerns. It helps keep track of any signs daily in order to identify triggers and learn how to better control them. Presenting a chance for constructive self-talk and recognizing negative beliefs and actions.
• Exercise: It is assumed that exercise is one of the most neglected interventions for mental health care. Aerobic exercises, jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking are helpful in reducing anxiety and alleviating the symptoms of depression.
• Therapy: Talking to a therapist regarding your feelings can be extremely helpful to destress yourself and to change your thought process. Therapy makes you feel confident in ways that you have never imagined. 

The Takeaway:

Rosacea has no understood treatment and affects everyone differently, although prompt medical attention might lessen the severity of the disorder. If you think you might have rosacea, try talking to your doctor about the possible rosacea treatments that could help you manage your symptoms of papulopustular rosacea.

You can also seek assistance from other support groups, where members discuss their personal stories and strategies for dealing with the disease without letting it negatively impact your mental health. You’ll feel less alone and more at ease if you build connections with other individuals going through similar things. It will also inspire you to show yourself some love and care. Additionally, clinical trials for rosacea investigate new potential acne rosacea treatment options. These can potentially help you or people who suffer from these conditions and have not found any treatments that work. 

ALSO READ: 10 Ways Yoga Helps You Achieve Well-Being