Acne Rosacea Treatment Options
What Is Acne Rosacea?
This is a chronic skin disease that affects both men and women in the 30-50 year old age group. Doctors are still in the dark as to the exact mechanisms behind this condition. What is known is that blood vessels and sebaceous glands on the face are concerned.
Acne rosacea is different from regular acne as facial redness and dilated facial blood vessels are present. The main giveaway is the absence of Blackheads. However acne like pustules and papules can be seen. Alcohol, spicy foods, extreme temperatures ( hot and cold) and exposure to sunlight can make acne rosacea worse.
Who Gets Acne Rosacea?
The bad news is that like regular acne acne rosacea can not be cured. The good news is that it can be treated and controlled. No one needs to know that you suffer from this condition! Although both men and women can have this disease, it is usually more prevalent in women but more severe with men. Left untreated serious repercussions can happen. Skin becomes ruddier, bumps and pimples develop and the nose can become misshapen with excess tissue. The highest risk group are those with fair skin who blush easily. People of Northern and Eastern European descent are also at higher risk.
Acne Rosacea In Darker Skin
Contrary to popular belief, acne rosacea can occur in those with darker skin. This is not as common and it is usually mistaken for regular acne or dermatitis. Only 4% of those of Hispanic origin, 2.3% of Asian or Pacific Islanders and 2% of African Americans are diagnosed with acne rosacea.
Signs and Symptoms Of Acne Rosacea
Facial flushing and blushing. This is one of the first signs of this disorder.
Facial redness that won't go away. This is the most common sign of rosacea and can appear like and sunburn.
Blood vessels on the face
Bumps and pimples
No Blackheads
Eye irritation may occur
Facial swelling may present itself
For the most part, acne rosacea always includes at least one of the following primary signs:
Persistent redness
Bumps and papules
Visible blood vessels
Flushing
Common secondary signs and symptoms are:-
Eye irritation
Burning or stinging
Dry appearance
Plaques
Skin thickening
Swelling
Signs beyond the face
Conventional Treatment
Oral or topical antibiotics. These control the situation by reducing inflammation and must be continued to maintain results.
Lasers can be utilized to remove facial redness and blood vessels
Lifestyle and environmental factors that worsen the symptoms must be identified and avoided.
Natural Treatment
A topical application of a 1% chrysanthemum indicum cream has shown greater improvement in reducing acne rosacea symptoms than a placebo.
A Milk Thistle and MSM (methylsulfonymethane) cream applied topically for one month has shown to be effective.
Niacinamide topicals are a promising possible treatment solution. However there is less supportive evidence of this.
A green tea topical cream may be beneficial as an anti inflammatory
Caring For Your Skin
Reduce the number of beauty products you use.
Find products that can multitask
Test products on skin behind the ear or on the inner forearm before use
Choose fragrance free and allergy tested products
Note down your own personal irritants. This will be different from person to person
Only use luke warm water
Be wary of common irritants like alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil
About the Author
I am an acne expert through experience! Hello my name is Shayna Lee and I am an Australian ex-patriot living in Los Angeles. I originally came to the US to be a model but after some time, I realized that I preferred a quiet, peaceful life instead. I truly enjoy researching and writing my own original articles and helping people deal with their skin issues. I have had eczema since the age of 2 and have dealt with both teen and adult acne also! Currently my skin is clear and smooth, thanks to the correct diet, lifestyle and topical treatments. If anything, my goal is to be able to impart any knowledge I have acquired through my trials and tribulations and share them with those who are in need.
For the best rosacea treatment I highly recommend Zenmed. They are a well estalblished company that specializes in gentle skin care solutions for every skin type, in particular sensitive.