Skincare Treated

Know Your Rosacea Basics

If the skin disease rosacea is a cause of acute embarrassment, then it is aptly called a “blushing disease”. This because flushing of the face is its most obvious symptom and is listed in any health guide as among the rosacea basics.

Chronic Condition

Rosacea is a chronic, non-contagious disease that is sometimes mistaken for acne but it’s not. Since it is most common in Caucasian or white-skinned people, it was dubbed in England, Scotland Ireland as “The Curse of the Celts”.

This skin condition affects mainly the face and is characterized by red or pink patches and dots where the blood vessels are broken. Patients may occasionally experience repeated bouts of flushing that could lead to inflammation and in some instances papules or bumps on the face.

It is so widespread that around 13 million people in the US alone suffer from this skin disease.

Where does it Show?

Though usually restricted to the cheeks, the eyelids could also be affected as well as the nose. When rosacea affects the nose, it gives rise to a typically red, bulbous or lobulated nose that is lumpy and bumpy.

In extreme cases, the condition is called rhynophyma. To demystify the condition, think of the American comedian of the 1930 and ‘40s, W C Fields. Why, his nose became practically a trademark!

Another famous personality who suffers from rosacea (but not rhynophyma) is former US President Bill Clinton.

About half of all rosacea patients experience burning, dryness of the eyes and a gritty sensation accompanied by hypersensitivity to light. In advances stages, this is called ocular rosacea and is sometimes mistaken for conjunctivitis, which is an altogether different condition.

If ocular rosacea is not treated in time, it could lead to a serious condition called rosacea keratitis.

Causes of Rosacea

Let’s return to our rosacea basics and see what causes this skin disease. Well, researchers are not quite sure. The flushing, dilating and breaking of the small capillaries on the face, leading to thread-like red lines called telangiectasias, points to a vascular cause.

Some researchers believe the disease is connected to bacteria called helicobacter pylori, gastrointestinal bacteria that also cause stomach ulcers. Others have found that half the number of rosacea patients has a mite called Demodex folliculorum present in the hair follicles, leading them to think that the mite is linked to the cause.

Still other researchers suspect that rosacea is hereditary.

There is more known about the triggers of the disease than causes, and there are many. Situations that cause natural blushing and flushing of the face can trigger a bout while stress and anxiety which involve strong emotional such as fear, excitement and embarrassment are definite triggers.

Rosacea is also linked to weather conditions such as – believe it or not – strong wind and humidity. Also long periods of exposure to the sun can cause the condition to flare up.

Foods and Rosacea

That is not all. There’s the delicate matter of foods and beverages that is the root of certain misconceptions – and dismay – among patients.

Hot and spicy foods are a definite no-no as these, like peppers and paprika, release heat and stimulate the receptors at the back of the throat that cause dilation of the facial blood vessels. Pungent ingredients also release a histamine or niacin that triggers flushing.

Does alcohol or coffee aggravate the condition? Hot beverages do tend to trigger a rosacea bout but this appears to be due to the heat from the drink that stimulates activity in the receptors at the back of the throat.

Alcohol and red wine, when taken in excess, do tend to lead to redness and puffiness of the face. This is often mistaken for a rosacea blush. The misconception is compounded by the condition discussed above – rhinophyma.

Since a bulbous nose was once thought to be associated with debauchery, people with rosacea suffer the embarrassment of being branded as heavy drinkers! So much for knowing their rosacea basics!