Redness in any area of the body is annoying, but it appears on your face can become a real problem. With a bit of luck it may be an allergic reaction or a simple irritation, but if the problem persists, you may be suffering from rosacea. This chronic inflammatory pathology affects 5% of the population. While couperose is characterized by dilated vessels concentrated in the cheeks and is a circulatory problem, rosacea is a chronic skin disease.
It usually appears in the central area of the face (nose, chin, cheekbones and forehead). It occurs more frequently in fair skin and especially affects women between 30 and 60 years old . Men suffer less, but when they do, the symptoms are usually more important.
What are the causes of rosacea? How can it be treated? We have spoken with Dr. Marta García Bustinduy, a specialist in Dermatology at the Center for Dermatological Research and Therapeutics of Tenerife and a member of Top Doctors, to find out all the information about this skin disease.
What is rosacea
It is an inflammatory disease, not infectious , even if it has lesions that contain pus. This inflammation affects the superficial blood vessels and the pilosebaceous follicles, where there is a mite, Demodex foliculorum , which participates in the whole process. It is localized, especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, but it can also affect the eyes, neck and décolleté .
Causes of rosacea
The ultraviolet radiation from the sun and the presence of microorganisms such as Demodex is essential. Other triggering agents are:
- Spicy or hot foods
- Hot
- Cold
- Sudden changes in temperature
- Alcoholic drinks
- Caffeine
- Use of soaps or alcoholic solutions
- Corticosteroids
- Chronic cough
- Intense exercise
- Weight load
How to recognize rosacea
The most common symptom of rosacea is redness at the base of the cheeks , on which there are usually red pimples and pus. Inflammation often appears and episodic redness - "flushing" - occurs easily in the face of heat, sun, itching, nerves. There may also be a feeling of dryness, tightness in the face, even some flaking.
Other typical manifestations of this ailment are:
- In most cases, rosacea does not go beyond the initial state of redness on the face.
- Periods of worsening and remission alternate.
- The redness can extend to the neck and be accompanied by puffiness on the face. In 50% of cases it inflames the eyelid area, as it happens to Paula Vázquez.
- Small red bumps may appear on the cheeks and / or around the nose and mouth that persist for days.
Effective Rosacea Treatments
There is no definitive cure for this condition, but there are protocols that can decrease symptoms , improve skin quality, and prolong periods without flare-ups.
According to Dr. García Bustinduy, "the fundamental thing is to avoid the sun as much as possible and use a good daily photoprotection product". It is also important to make a good choice of the cosmetics to be applied: "Suitable products should be used for this type of skin, performing facial cleansing with mild products without alcohol or strong soaps. Micellar waters are very useful to attenuate the moments of greater redness and the sprays of thermal waters are of great help in moments of discomfort or rigidity ".
Some methods that can improve rosacea are:
- Intense Pulsed Light. Technique that, in the hands of medical professionals, can be very useful, controlling the sudden redness and spots suffered by those who suffer from rosacea.
- Neodymium-Yag vascular laser. 2-3 sessions separated by 6-8 weeks are required.
- Electrocoagulation. The dilated capillary is closed with extra-fine electric needles.
- Brimonidine cream. Eliminates redness for 12 hours.
- Antibiotics At times of inflammation, dermatologists recommend anti-Demodex products, topical or systemic antibiotics, and even retinoids.
- Electrocoagulation. The dilated capillary is closed with extra-fine electric needles.
Beauty routine
Given the impact that this ailment has on the quality of life of those who suffer from it, the doctor recommends resorting to the advice of a good professional to use appropriate cosmetics and learn good makeup tricks to camouflage imperfections.
This routine will help you have a more beautiful complexion if you suffer from rosacea:
- Clean your skin with a light cosmetic. Use your fingertips to apply them and avoid astringent and exfoliating toners. They can damage your complexion.
- Apply emollient and barrier creams twice a day (preferably morning and night). Light formulas are convenient for you, with low fat content. Also make sure that they are not occlusive so that they do not accentuate the inflammation. Read the composition well. Better that the formula contains few ingredients and, as far as possible, that they are natural.
- Wear light makeup . Fluid bases, CC creams … they are easily removed. Discard waterproofs, because rubbing them off will make the skin more irritated.
- Photoprotection every morning. Ideally, use an SPF 50 (never go below SPF 20).
- Keep an eye out! According to the National Rosacea Society, the most irritating ingredients for your skin are alcohol, witch hazel, perfumes and essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and cloves. Run away from them!
Be careful with food
Food can also influence this ailment. It is important to avoid spicy or highly seasoned foods, as well as very hot foods or drinks. Citrus fruits can also make it worse, although each case may have specific characteristics.
