Rosacea: Why is the Skin on My Face So Red?

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that primarily targets the face. Rosacea is characterized by facial flushing, persistent redness, papules, pustules, and tiny visible red blood vessels, also known as telangiectasia. Rosacea often starts on the nose, cheeks, and chin, but it can travel to the ears, back, and chest. In some rare cases rosacea may also affect the eyes.

Rosacea’s symptoms can be intermittent or last for a few weeks or months at a time. Rosacea can flare-up if the person is exposed to certain external triggers. These triggers can vary from person to person. For a more comprehensive list of triggers see below.

Rosacea most often appears between the ages of 30 to 50. It is more common for women to be diagnosed with Rosacea, but men tend to have more severe symptoms. Although anyone can get rosacea, it is more common for people of fair skin who blush easily to be diagnosed with it. It is estimated that around 14 million people have rosacea in the United States alone. The cause of rosacea is unknown.

People with Rosacea state that the condition of their skin also affects their overall sociability and confidence. Rosacea’s visual appearance contributes to feelings low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

As a note of interest, the classic movie actor W.C. Fields had rosacea, which caused his iconic thickened nose.

Symptoms of Rosacea

The presentation of Rosacea can vary greatly from person to person.  Some of the more common presentations (symptoms) include:

Redness or flushed face

Acne

Swollen nose, ears, chin

Dry Skin

Oily Skin

Spider, veins which are visible blood vessels, also known medically as telangiectasia

Sensitive skin

Stinging or burning skin

Bumpy or rough skin texture

Thickened skin (Which most commonly presents on the nose, but can appear on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and ears)

Bloodshot eyes

Eye irritation

Light sensitivity

Blurred vision

What Can Trigger My Rosacea to Flare-up?

Rosacea can flare-up with exposure to certain stimuli, this is what is referred to as a trigger.  Triggers can vary from person to person, some of the more common triggers include: 1, 2

Sun Exposure

Spicy Foods

Alcohol

Hot Beverages

Stress

Excessive Heat or Cold

Strenuous Exercise

Cosmetics Containing Alcohol or Witch Hazel

 

1 Wilkins, D. J. (2018) Factors That May Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups
Retrieved from www.rosacea.org: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggers.php

2 Triggers Could be Causing Your Rosacea Flare-ups. (n.d.)
Retrieved from https://www.aad.org: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea/triggers-could-be-causing-your-rosacea-flare-ups

Epiphany Dermatology’s Treatments Available for Rosacea

VISIA Skin Analysis

One of the first steps we recommend for our clientele with rosacea is a Visia Skin Analysis. We scan our client’s skin and cater their skin care regimen to suit their individual needs.

 

Skin Care Products

Epiphany Dermatology can recommend a variety of products that are gentle on the skin and help treat you your rosacea.

For more information about how to treat your Rosacea, please contact Epiphany Dermatology

Our Riverside Location:
805 NW Platte Rd., Suite 120
Riverside, MO 64150  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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Our St. Joseph Location:
805 N 36th St., Suite D
St. Joseph, MO 64506  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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