Acne Rosacea: How Does Acne Rosacea Affect My Skin?

While Acne may be very emotionally stressful acne rosacea can send someone's stress level off the charts. And, left untreated, can also cause an over growth of tissue. Rosacea is very basically different than acne although both can coexist on the face at the same time. Unlike other pimples and pustules that plague teenagers rosacea occurs mostly in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. There are usually no blackheads or whiteheads and those who suffer from rosacea don't usually outgrow it.

Individuals who suffer from rosacea will have a small red bumps that do not have whiteheads or blackheads and cannot be squeezed. The condition will cause a rosy color to the skin and is more common in people who are fair-haired and fair skinned making the condition even more prominence. It is more frequently found in women but more severe in men.

The condition actually weakens the blood vessels in the area where it occurs, commonly the face, and causes them to dilate more easily. Sometimes, this occurs over longer periods of time and can become permanent condition. At this time researchers have not identified a cause for the condition but have developed several treatment protocols that can keep symptoms under control or keep them from getting worse.

Researchers do suspect that rosacea may be linked to a genetic factor. In some cases those who are genetically predisposed may have more difficulty when exposed to the sun. In other cases researchers have found exposure to a mite or the bacteria helicobacter pylori, associated with stomach ulcers, can trigger this condition.

Typically, the signs and symptoms of facial flushing, redness, burning and bumps will come and go depending upon the environmental triggers. Symptoms can actually clear for months or even years and then an individual will begin to have problems again. While there can be periods of time where the condition appears to be in remission it rarely reverses itself and if left untreated will get worse.

The nose is often the first area of the face that will be affected by rosacea. The nose will become red and bumpy and an advanced stages will cause a disfigurement. The nose will literally grow larger and be characterized by a a bulbous enlargement much like the old comedian WC Fields. At times this condition can be if falsely attributed to excessive alcohol intake. Although all red nose can be seen in individuals who drink excessively not every person who has rosacea drinks alcohol.

Once a dermatologist has begun treatment it can take up to two months for the skin to begin to look better. After this time the dermatologist may begin to cut down or eliminate the number of antibiotics which you are taking. The treatment regimen is very difficult to generalize between individuals because the condition will be significantly different from person to person.

Treatment modalities often include antibacterial washes, topical creams, antibiotics, while users and photodynamic therapy. While there is some overlap between treatments for acne and rosacea it is important not to use over-the-counter medications because they can actually irritate the skin and increase the risk of triggering another outbreak.

Discussed treatment regimens with your dermatologist to determine the best possible routes that will decrease the risk of severe tissue over growth. In some cases, mild rosacea may not require treatments but in other cases more resistant outbreaks may require a combination approach of several of the treatment modalities discussed above.

Most individuals who suffer from rosacea will find there are triggers that will either relieve symptoms or make them flare. It is important to note what changes the skin condition so that you can either avoid or use the trigger appropriately. For instance, smoking, spicy foods and alcohol may cause flushing and should be avoided.

Once over growth of the skin on the nose has occurred it will require surgery in order to be treated successfully. Dermabrasion can help improve the look of any scar tissue and follow-up laser treatment may help lessen the redness.

Rosacea is a very common chronic skin condition that may begin rather innocently as a light blush on the face. But without monitoring and treatment it can progress to include the central third of the face and result in tiny pimples, red lines, acne and bulbous red nose. With prompt recognition of the symtpoms and treatment these more severe symptoms can be avoided and people can enjoy their lives without the added emotional and psychological stress that Rosacea brings.

At Mason Ohio Salon we help our clients look their best!