Acne Rosacea
What Is Acne Rosacea?
Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects roughly 14 million Americans. It usually develops later in life, between ages 30-60. It’s sometimes found in children, although this is quite rare. Acne rosacea is a skin disease that affects both the skin and the eyes. It causes consistent redness over the areas of the face and nose that normally blush, such as the forehead, the cheeks and the lower half of the nose. For those affected by this condition, the tiny blood vessels in these areas enlarge and become more visible. Pimples are also frequently associated with this condition.
Acne rosacea is different from the acne that commonly plagues teenagers. Unlike common acne, acne rosacea is not a factor of hormonal imbalances. Nor does it typically result in the formation of blackheads or whiteheads.
What Are The Symptoms of Acne Rosacea?
As already mentioned, acne rosacea causes aggravation and inflammation in the areas of the face where blushing normally occurs. It’s characterized by enlarged blood vessels in these areas that is flagrantly visible, and does not subside over time. If left untreated, acne rosacea can cause a disfigurement of the nose called rhinophyma, which literally means "growth of the nose." Rhinophyma causes the nose to become enlarged and reddened, and it can also cause a layer of crusty skin to form over its surface.
Ocular rosacea is a term used to describe the symptoms that occur in and around the eyes. Chronic conjunctivitis, inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye), chronic bacterial infection of the eye lids, and dysfunction of the glands near the eyes are all associated with ocular rosacea. Many people who suffer from acne rosacea also experience watery eyes, blurred vision, and chronic ocular itching.
One of the most significant symptoms of acne rosacea is the affect it has on one's self-esteem. The persistent redness of the nose and face usually causes embarrassment that only further aggravates the condition. In fact, recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society found that nearly 70% of patients with acne rosacea said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem. 41% reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. In addition, the common association of a reddened nose to prominent alcoholism causes even further embarrassment to many who suffer from this condition.
Who Gets Acne Rosacea?
This condition affects people of all sexes and races. It is, however, slightly more common in females. It was once thought to be common only among fair-skinned people of Celtic or Western European origin. But today it has been noted in races and nations all around the world.
What Affects Acne Rosacea?
Acne rosacea tends to be more common in people who blush easily. Emotional stresses such as fear, anxiety, and embarrassment may trigger blushing and aggravate rosacea. A flare-up of the condition can be caused by weather factors such as strong winds or a change in the humidity. The symptoms of acne rosacea are also aggravated by sunlight as well as the consumption of alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods.
What Causes Acne Rosacea?
Doctors are still unsure as to the exact cause of acne rosacea. One theory is that a mite commonly found in hair follicles may play a role in the development of the condition. Another theory holds that the bacteria Heliobacter pylori may cause acne rosacea to develop. Certain medications, such as vasodilators which widen blood vessels, have also been suspected of causing acne rosacea.
Can Acne Rosacea Be Treated?
Rosacea cannot be cured but it can usually be treated using either oral or topical medicines. Natural products, like Parfait Visage™ and Aquaspirit®, seem to help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with the condition. Laser treatments have also been used to reduce the visibility of the red blemishes common with this condition.
What Should Be Avoided?
If you have acne rosacea, there are several factors that will likely aggravate your condition. You should avoid smoking, spicy foods alcoholic beverages; direct exposure to sunlight, exposure to temperatures should be limited; rubbing the face, or harsh chemical based facial skin care products.
Want To Learn More?
If you or someone you love has acne rosacea, you may consider contacting the National Rosacea Society for the most up to date information on the condition. The National Rosacea Society is a registered nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with rosacea by raising awareness, providing public health information and supporting research on this widespread but little-known disorder.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop and sell exclusively high-end natural and organic skin care lines to support a wide range of skin conditions. The products he promotes are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives. For more information on skin care or to ask questions at a skin care forum visit Skin-care-support.org.
