19 Sep Preventing Autumn Rosacea Flare-Ups
Rosacea flare-ups can happen at any time, but they are particularly troublesome when autumn sets in. At RefinedMD, we have numerous options for soothing symptoms of rosacea. However, many people don’t even know they have this common skin condition. Rosacea can vary in severity, with many people showing signs of pink or “rosy” cheeks. Curiously, those “rosy” cheeks can be considered attractive, which keeps people from getting a diagnosis. The hallmark signs of rosacea are red bumps that flare up occasionally—these flare-ups are triggered by a variety of external and internal factors that are unique to each person.
The National Rosacea Society describes the condition as a “chronic inflammatory condition that usually starts with flushing and redness on the cheeks.” As it progresses, or if it progresses, it can spread from the cheeks to other areas like the forehead, chin, and nose. When rosacea gets worse (if untreated), blood vessels can begin to appear as larger bumps and may be mistaken for acne. In fact, many people with rosacea think they have acne and (ineffectively) try to treat it with OTC acne medications. Those who develop severe rosacea can have eyes that look bloodshot and are watery, and can even grow excess tissue on their nose (rhinophyma) that will require surgery to correct. In other words, if you have red bumps or even flushed skin, it’s a must to get a correct diagnosis so that rosacea can be managed.
It’s Not All Coming Up Roses with Rosacea
Women are much more likely to get rosacea than men, though anyone can develop this chronic condition. Nobody knows exactly what causes rosacea, but the Mayo Clinic reports that genetics probably play a role. Those most likely to get rosacea are women 30+ with fair skin, however anyone of any skin tone can develop it. Those with more melanin are especially prone to being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed since, of course, pink skin doesn’t look the same on darker skin tones.
Rosacea can be caused or triggered by environment factors, habits like smoking, and there is also a likely immune system issue in place. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the bacteria H. pylori and the mite demodex might also be linked to rosacea, but this needs more research. For example, many with rosacea have been found to have H. pylori, but there is no proof that this bacterium actually causes rosacea. Everybody has demodex on their skin, with the mites especially liking the cheeks and nose, but studies show that those with rosacea have higher counts than others.
Rosacea Triggers and Types
As an inflammatory condition, there are nearly countless triggers for rosacea. Everyone is unique, but common triggers include steam rooms/saunas and showers, sweating and exercise, temperature fluctuations, and certain foods and drinks. The autumn can be a challenging time because of the temperature fluctuations we experience. Instead of moving from the hot summer outdoors to artificially cooled indoors, we are shifting from cooler outdoors to warmer indoors. Plus, many people seek out hotter showers or steam rooms as we transition to colder months.
There are four primary types of rosacea, and all can be triggered by various means. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea presents as flushed skin with visible blood vessels. Papulopustular rosacea presents similar to acne (with pustules). Phymatous rosacea is when thick, bumpy skin appears. Ocular rosacea is strictly rosacea that affects the eyes. More than one type may present on the same person.
Treating Rosacea
One of the most common triggers for rosacea is the wrong skin care products. Using medical-grade products at home that are hand-selected just for you can go a long way in soothing rosacea and preventing flare-ups. In many cases, laser skin rejuvenation can also be helpful. There are many types of lasers available and only those that have been shown to treat rosacea should be used (otherwise, other lasers may worsen the condition).
We have in-office and at-home treatments to help you keep your rosacea under control. To find out more, schedule a consultation with a skin care expert today. Contact RefinedMD by calling the office during business hours or, for a quicker response, complete the online contact form.