ROSACEA

Rosacea can develop due to a number of triggers that need to be avoided as much as possible to keep the condition in control. Some of these triggers include:

• UV exposure (direct or indirect)
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Spicy food
• Change in the usual temperature

While you may be taking the necessary medication and skincare precaution, it is necessary to steer clear of all triggers so as not to aggravate the condition further.

More often than not, rosacea can be seen on the face in the middle area. However, it can also appear on the scalp, the back, or the chest in some cases.

The condition can be identified by swollen, reddened bumps in the middle area of the face, blood vessels visible in the nose or cheek area, and can also be misdiagnosed as acne if not diagnosed by a skin expert.

The skin affected by rosacea is also more tender than other areas. In certain cases, the skin on the nose is also thickened, which is a condition called rhinophyma that disfigures the nose.

Swollen eyelids and sore, red, or dry eyes are also symptoms of rosacea and are often the first to manifest.

Rosacea often makes your face appear red or flushed. This happens due to your autonomic nervous system. Any time there is a change in the surrounding temperature, or if you consume a hot beverage, your system will immediately respond. Flushings can also occur if you are anxious or stressed out.

The result of a rosacea flushing is your body getting hot. To let go of some of the heat, your blood vessels widen, causing the blood flow to transfer the heat through the blood vessels. As the skin begins to cool down, the flushing recedes. And a simple way of cooling down is using the usual methods you would otherwise use to drive the heat away – cold beverages, wet towels, etc.

The symptoms among each individual vary, depending upon the skin type and the biology of the person. How you deal with the symptoms, therefore, will also vary.

Everything that can lead your blood vessels to adapt to temperature changes in the body can act as triggers. Some of the common triggers include:

• Stress
• Alcohol consumption
• Vigorous exercising
• Hot baths
• Hot or spicy meals
• Sun exposure
• Too low or too high temperatures

You can also identify triggers personal to you. With stress being a trigger, certain aspects of your life may be more triggering to you than to others. It is important that you take note of these things so that the treatment is adapted keeping your triggers in mind.

It is vital to know that rosacea cannot really be treated. However, the symptoms can be managed to avoid episodes of flushing. A thorough analysis will help determine the triggers in your case, allowing us to map out the ideal rosacea treatment in Melbourne for you.

Some of the treatment options to keep the symptoms under control include:

• Avoidance of triggers
• Vascular treatments using laser
• Antibiotics – oral and topical
• Glycolic acid peels

One of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid rosacea is to bring a change in one’s diet. Jotting down all of the food items you generally eat to identify what could be a trigger will help you avoid those triggers in the future. The same can be applied to your lifestyle. If you are in the habit of going out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, you know what needs to be done to avoid rosacea flushings.

Although the effects of rosacea are seen outwardly, it is what’s inside that’s causing the changes in the body. Altering your lifestyle and diet can therefore go a long way in chalking down all the things you can and should not do to enjoy life without rosacea hindering it.