For many people, skin conditions can be irritating, frustrating, and even painful, but for people with rosacea, the effects are often much more devastating. According to one survey, nearly 70 percent of people with rosacea said it lowered their confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent said it caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.
It’s easy to see why rosacea can have such far-reaching effects. The condition causes a very noticeable redness and swelling, primarily on the face, though it can also effect the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back, with some people even suffering from burning and grittiness in the eyes. Oftentimes it starts out as a tendency to blush easily, but then can get gradually worse until the redness stays present most of the time. As it progresses, the condition takes on a sort of “mean” personality, in that it “flares up” in response to a variety of triggers, including hot weather, stress, spicy foods, exercise, sun and wind exposure, alcohol, and hot baths.
In doing my research, my heart just hurt when I saw what these people have to go through. Look at these comments:
“I had been suffering with Rosacea for about 20 years,” writes SarahLynn on skincaretalk.com. “People used to tease me about blushing, then one day I had a permanent blush. I was very pale under the eyes, so I looked like a pink raccoon.”
“Rosacea is a rather embarrassing disease,” writes Meredith Ball, editor of Natural Living. “One of my worst nightmares at the time was having to appear in public with absolutely no make-up on.”
Rosacea doesn’t feel good, either. You know what dry skin feels like-rosacea is often worse. It can burn and sting, especially when exposed to certain lotions and chemicals, and can feel as tender as sunburned skin.
What causes rosacea? Like most skin conditions, there isn’t one clear answer. Research has found that it seems to run in families, and tends to be more prevalent in people over 30 years old with fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes, with women getting it more often than men. (Though men who have it can experience more severe symptoms.) However, the condition can affect all kinds of people at all ages. Some scientists have theorized that a certain kind of bacteria may be to blame, or that a type of mite that lives in hair follicles could have something to do with it, but so far there is just no definitive answer.
What we do know is that it’s important to treat rosacea as soon as you suspect you may have it. Early diagnosis and treatment, according to skincarephysicians.com, can control the signs and symptoms to help keep the condition from being visible or uncomfortable. (Treatments vary according to the type of rosacea you have.) Without treatment, it can get progressively worse, creating a swollen nose and darker redness and bumps on the skin that are more difficult to control. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain stimulants, choosing sensitive skin care products, and adopting stress-relief habits can also help reduce flare-ups.
“The good news is that, while rosacea cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Larry Millikan, chairman of dermatology at Tulane University. “It is essential for anyone with signs of rosacea to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before their condition reaches more serious stages.”
How can you tell if you may have rosacea? Watch for the following signs and check with your dermatologist:
- Tendency to blush frequently or easily
- A redness or flushing that is more pronounced during extreme hot or cold weather
- Persistent redness in the middle of the face that has gradually spread
- Flushing when you consume hot drinks, spicy foods, or alcohol
- Sensitivity to products like hairspray, moisturizers soaps, or cosmetics
- Visible blood vessels and pimples on or around red areas of the face
Do you have rosacea? Please share any tips with our readers.
Photo courtesy the kristiewells via Flickr.com.
I began to notice symptoms of Rosacea about a year ago. It started to crop up when I turned 35. It was horrible when I had it! Even going outside became a chore because I was worried about people always staring at my skin.
For me, however, the best cure was to make a lifestyle change. I linked it to poor eating habits and lots of stress from work. As soon as I started eating better and taking time off work, it started to clear up on its own. At the time though, I hadn’t made the connection between Rosacea and my lifestyle. I just wanted to change my lifestyle to a healthier one. But as a byproduct I noticed by skin not getting so red all the time.
For anyone reading this, take a hard look at your lifestyle to see if you can make any positive changes there!
Hi, Rachael. Thank you for sharing your story! I’m not at all surprised to hear that you noticed clearer, healthier skin when you started to eat better and reduce your stress. I experienced the same sort of change in my acne when I made lifestyle changes. (Post here in case you’re interested: http://cincovidas.com/my-journey-to-clear-skin-without-prescriptions-10-natural-tips-that-may-work-for-you/) We don’t realize how much our skin responds to our daily lives. Great input!
I recently started using Made from Earth’s Rosehip Hibiscus Serum based on my dermatologist’s recommendation. The serum is great and hydrates my skin. I have rosacea and my skin tends to be extremely dry, but since using these products, I find my skin is very well hydrated and does not irritate my rosacea.
I had it three years ago – went to dermatologist – was given cream. That did nothing. I had it bad on upper lip and around nose and some on cheeks. At same time, I decided to take an old childhood remedy. We lived on a farm in Canada and were given cod liver oil – liquid. I remember the taste. I am over 60 and don’t take any prescriptions – so I decided that this old friend would be beneficial to my overall health. I bought a good brand and one with lemon flavor. Within a week my skin had cleared up. Now I take it every day – capsules when we travel. When I forget to take it, my skin starts to flare again. This was such a surprise gift and I take a tablespoon every day. My skin is glowing.
I’m allergic to a lot of hypoallergenic skin products. Anything that contains the irritant stearic acid will make me break out in blisters, a rosacea outbreak. Many manufacturers, even though they know that stearic acid is an irritant, use it in their products anyway. The Made From Earth Green Tea Cleanser does not. Not only that but it is also non-drying and leaves my skin feeling soft and looking smooth and clean. I have been very happy with it, and my skin issues have cleared up considerably since I began using it.
Hi, Mary Ann. Thank you so much for your recommendation! It’s always great to hear from readers about products that are safe and effective. I’m sure I speak for many readers when I say thank you for sharing the good news about a great product. ?
I was diagnosed with Rosacea a few years ago and needed something that was “very sensitive” to wash my face since that was the area most affected. My dermatologist recommended the Green Tea Toxin Cleanser from Made from Earth. He recommended it because it is light, and can be used twice oer day without drying your skin.
I ordered online and my skin has never looked better. I have oily skin on top of everything so its hard to find something that works well in general.
Actually this is right up my alley. I’ve suffered from Rosacea for many years and it was just one of the driving forces for me to start my own skincare line. I tried all the ointments from doctors and those seemed to do quite well as long as I used them every day, or every other day at least. There was just no long term relief. Of course diet plays a big part and I moderate that as much as possible without denying myself the pleasures of great tasting food. But after a lot of research it seemed that regulating the pH of your skin was a big step and keeping the Rosacea in check. The pH of your skin is a natural barrier to the virus and bacteria that can thrive under the right conditions. While we still don’t know exactly what causes Rosacea it is possible it’s passed on from parent to child because it does seem to “run in the family”. So back to regulating pH. I use my own Toner, of course, that includes Tea Tree Oil. Then I use a serum with many vitamins that are great for the skin; A, B3, B5, C, and E. Applying after a shower helps with absorption and this is important. Then I use a couple drops of precious Pure Virgin Argan Oil, again my own of course, to moisturize. My skin has never been more healthy and no one believes I’m actually 46. And now when I blush…it’s not because of my skin disease.
Thanks for sharing Michael!. I had no idea you suffered from rosacea and that your products have alleviated some of the side effects. Your products are great and I would love all my readers to know that they are safe and very pure! You can find his products at http://jeunedage.com/ Be well – Britta
Very informative post. I have seen a lot of rosacea cases linked to diet and autoimmune problems. When your body is out of whack it can manifest in all types of ways. Rosacea is often one of them.
I have Lupus and had the classic butterfly rash when I first got ill about seven years ago. It was very red and swollen and looked horrible. One thing that really helped me was Emu Oil. It’s naturally anti-imflammtory, non-comedegenic, and antibacterial and penetrates all three layers of the skin. I have seen it help many eczema sufferers and may help people with rosacea as well.
Thanks so much Kay for sharing your story and some remedies that helped. Emu Oil is an amazing oil! So glad you had such great success with Emu oil. Thanks for commenting. – Britta