Did you know that April is National Rosacea Awareness Month? The National Rosacea Association designates this month to build awareness and educate the public on this chronic and widespread facial disorder. It’s estimated that it affects more than 16 million Americans. Could you be one of them? Keep reading to learn more about rosacea, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea (pronounced roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a skin condition that causes flushing, blushing, or visible blood vessels on the face. Rosacea can also produce small red bumps that can be filled with pus and it can flare up for weeks to months at a time, then go dormant. It is often mistaken for acne and is most common in middle-aged Caucasian women.
What are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms are either primary or secondary symptoms. In order to diagnose rosacea, one primary and one secondary symptom must be present. They are as follows:
Primary Symptoms
- Flushing or temporary reddening of the skin
- Permanent skin redness
- Papules or pustules
- Broken blood vessels or capillaries
Secondary Symptoms
- Burning or stinging sensation on face
- A dry appearance
- Facial swelling
- Redness or bumps in the center of the face
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Skin texture changes
What Causes Rosacea?
Unfortunately, the root cause of rosacea is unknown. It could be due to an overactive immune system, genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of the three. Rosacea is not linked to poor hygiene and it is not contagious.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, there is no known cure, but it can be treated. The treatment options for rosacea largely depend on which sub-type you are diagnosed with. Everyone can benefit from sun protection, reducing skin irritability, and avoiding triggers for flushing (hot temperatures, spicy foods, etc.)
Topical treatments are available that can help reduce inflammation and improve the stratum-corneum barrier of the skin. Studies have shown that individuals with rosacea have about ten times the amount of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. When medication was used to return the levels of bacteria to normal, there was almost a complete clearance of the inflammatory skin lesions associated.
To find the most effective treatment, speak to a medical skin professional who can help diagnose and treat your symptoms.
About SomaSou
SomaSou is Del Ray’s first MedSpa offering services to help our community enrich themselves and build confidence. “SomaSou” means “your body” and we give you options to help you feel confident about it. Start your journey by taking an active role in your well-being and schedule a free skin consultation with SomaSou today. For more information about our services or to schedule a treatment, visit our website here.
we are now open on