Rosacea: When your blushing is no longer becoming

Rosacea is a skin condition in which the face and upper chest are in a state of permanent blood vessel dilation. It is sometimes accompanied by red, raised bumps and pustules. Sound pretty?

While menopause has no direct effect on this skin condition (although hot flashes can trigger it), it shows up at midlife and is more common in women than in men. However, when men do get it, the condition is much more severe than in women.

Cause and Triggers

We don’t know the exact cause, but we do know some triggers that cause flare-ups. The first line of defense is to get rid of your unique triggers. Here are some common ones:

• Sun exposure.
• Nerves and stress causing prolonged blushing.
• Alcohol consumption, especially beer and red wine.
• Hot beverages.
• Spicy foods.
• Taking a hot bath.
• Going outside in extreme weather conditions.

Phases

There are four phases that can develop, however not everyone progresses through all four:

1) Flushing of the skin becomes more persistent.
2) Spider veins develop, especially on the nose.
3) Small red bumps and pus-filled pimples develop. This is the inflammatory phase.
4) Skin may thicken on the cheeks and especially the nose, causing an enlarged and bulbous nose.

Treatment

If you're concerned about your condition, then you should speak with a dermatologist. There are many types of treatments, and the one, two or three that are recommended for you will depend on your unique condition.

Some common treatments are listed here:

• Avoid your unique triggers.
• Medications: antibiotics, topical steroids, anti-anxiety medications, and alpha-lipoic-acid-containing preparations. All of these have side-effects and you will have to consider these.
• Some women find the supplement betaine hydrochloride, found in natural food stores, works. It’s unclear why it’s effective.
• Relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing methods. Women who harbor lots of guilt, shame, and the need to please are more likely to get rosacea. • Laser treatments. There are several different kinds of laser therapy to treat the four phases of this skin condition. Your dermatologist will recommend the one that’s right for you.


What if your rosacea really isn't that at all? Instead, could your facial redness really be due to demodex mite infestation? Click on this website to learn more: Demodex mites

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