Dec. 20, 2018 | This time of year, it’s not unusual to see people running around with red cheeks and dry, itchy eyes. But for those dealing with rosacea, it’s not the winter weather that causes their discomfort, it’s a condition they deal with every day. Rosacea may start as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. It might even look like an outbreak of pimples. But over time, the condition can worsen. Inflammation can make affected skin swollen and sensitive. Red, thick, bumpy skin may appear on the face, causing pain and distress. Rosacea affects an estimated 14 million Americans. Although anyone can get it, lighter-skinned populations are at greater risk. People who blush frequently may also be more vulnerable. It usually first strikes in middle age, between 30 and 60 years of age. Women are three to four times more likely than men to develop rosacea, especially during menopause, but the symptoms are generally more severe in men.

Dec. 20, 2018 | With colder temperatures and dry air, it’s not uncommon for someone’s face to look rosy and somewhat flushed. But when is a red face more than just a result of the weather? Rosacea usually causes your face to become red or flushed. The redness usually occurs at the center of your face, including your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Your skin may feel somewhat burning, swollen or warm. You may notice small red blood vessels that become visible under your skin. Bumpy skin or pimples may also become more noticeable. Some of the other symptoms of rosacea include a swollen, bumpy nose, especially in men, and thicker skin on your face, especially if you have an advanced case of the disease. Some people with rosacea have vision problems, with their eyes becoming red, dry, itchy, burning or watery. Their eyelids may become inflamed and swollen and their eyes sensitive to light. Blurry vision and a gritty feeling in the eyes can also occur.

Dec. 20, 2018 | If you’re living with rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the face, you’re in good company. Celebrities like Bill Clinton, W.C. Fields and Princess Diana all suffered from the skin disease. The symptoms can come and go, flaring up for weeks or months and then subsiding. Over time, the facial redness can deepen and become more permanent. Things that cause flare-ups are known as triggers. Although they vary from person to person, common triggers include hot foods or beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, sunlight, stress, exercise and hot baths. Prolonged use of cortisone creams on the face can also lead to rosacea. Because the condition tends to worsen over time, early detection is critical. There’s no test for rosacea, and several other conditions can have similar symptoms. Your doctor needs expertise and experience to make a diagnosis. A dermatologist can aid with rosacea detection and care.

Dec. 20, 2018 | No cure currently exists for rosacea but certain medical treatments and lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms. Antibiotics taken orally or applied to the skin can lessen redness and bumps. It may take several weeks or months for your skin to start looking better. For more serious cases, laser surgery can remove visible blood vessels, reduce redness or correct thickened, bumpy skin. If your nose is bumpy and swollen, you may be able to have some extra skin tissue taken off to make it smaller. Steroid eye drops may be prescribed and your doctor may recommend scrubbing your eyelids gently with watered-down baby shampoo or an eyelid cleaner and then applying a warm but not hot compress a few times a day to reduce infections. Be sure to keep a written record of what seems to make your rosacea worse. This may help you figure out what irritates your skin. And always protect your face during the winter months with a scarf or mask.

Dec. 20, 2018 | Stress ranks as one of the most likely triggers of rosacea. f stress causes your rosacea to flare, you can learn to certain stress management techniques to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed. First, find an activity that relieves your stress and do it often. Common stress busters include tai chi, meditation, or joining a rosacea support group. When under stress, try deep-breathing exercises. Inhale and count to 10, then exhale and count to 10. Repeat this exercise several times. Be sure to eat healthy, exercise moderately and get the right amount of sleep. It may also help to cut down on caffeine. Millions of people suffer from rosacea, yet increasing numbers of sufferers have achieved substantial control over their disorder. The best defense in conquering rosacea is to comply with long-term medical therapy and minimize lifestyle factors that aggravate your individual condition. Through these strategies, rosacea can be managed successfully.