Rosacea affects millions in the United States and around the world.
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[Source: American Academy of Dermatology]
The persistent symptoms can be frustrating, making daily interactions challenging. So, we've provided practical tips and insights, whether you're seeking relief or simply looking to improve your skin's appearance. We will also discuss red light therapy for rosacea.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the facial skin. Symptoms usually appear after the age of 30, and the condition can only worsen with time.
- Redness
- Flushing
- Visible vessels
- Bumps
- Acne-like lesions
[Source: Zeiva Professional Center]
Types of Rosacea
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Common Symptoms
- Redness of cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead
- Sunlight visible blood vessels
- Small red pus-filled bumps or pimples
- Dryness and eye irritation
- Facial skin gets thickened, especially in your nose area
Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown. It may run in your family. These might cause symptoms or maybe just make it worse:
Quick and Effective Medical Treatments
[Source: The Rosacea Method]
Here are some of the alternative treatments that you can go for:
Metronidazole
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Azelaic Acid
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Ivermectin
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Systemic Medication for Advanced Rosacea
For serious rosacea, systemic medication is also necessary:
Doxycycline
It’s an antibiotic used in severe rosacea cases. Doctors recommend using it only briefly to avoid certain side effects.
Isotretinoin
In very bad rosacea, it does not respond to other treatments. Although it may dramatically reduce symptoms, it needs to be carefully monitored.
Light Therapy
Sufficient and regular exposure to RLT in your skin destroys the blood vessels, which helps reduce redness. With only a few RLT sessions, you can see quick and drastic improvements.
Consultation with Dermatologist
Professional guidance is highly essential when dealing with rosacea treatment. The dermatologist will inform you about the rosacea you are suffering from and recommend treatments that work well for you.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Immediate Relief
The most important part of managing rosacea is identifying and avoiding triggers. A symptom diary can help you see what affects your skin.
Some of the commonly reported triggers will include the following:
- Exposure to the sun
- Stress and an emotional upset
- Hot and humid weather, extreme temperatures
- Spicy foods and hot liquids
- Alcohol
- Hot baths and spas
- Flushing activities
- Certain skincare products
When you know what these triggers are for you, take action to avoid them.
- Wear sun-protective clothes
- Go for stress-reducing relaxation techniques
- Avoid spicy foods
Stress-Reducing Techniques
Stress can trigger rosacea. Practice stress-reduction methods regularly. The following can be tried:
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Light exercise
Stress, if kept under control, will always reduce inflammation and flare-ups.
Skincare Routine Properly
Clean your skin with warm water and gently dry it with a clean and soft towel. Avoid any harmful chemical products during this time.
Apply any mineral-based sunscreen, especially when going outside. Ensure it contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Natural and Home Remedies
Oatmeal Mask
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Banana Mask
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Cucumber Mask
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Addressing Common Myths about Rosacea
Here are some of the common myths and actual reality about Rosacea:
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Dietary Considerations
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in oily fish like mackerel and salmon.
Here are some of the food items that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Walnuts
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Both probiotics and prebiotics can help keep your skin healthy. Foods like yogurt and kimchi are rich in probiotics, whereas onions are rich in prebiotics.
Foods to Avoid
Hydration
Hydration plays a huge role in complementing certain skin conditions. Water intake may alleviate skin irritation and dryness.
Tip: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, but it should be altered depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the fastest way to reduce rosacea redness?
These are some of the fastest ways you can easily reduce the redness:
- Apply a cool compress on your face to soothe the redness.
- Apply chemical-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
- Avoid foods or situations that may trigger your rosacea
- How does stress influence rosacea flare-ups?
Stress can be a severe trigger for rosacea. When stressed, your body releases inflammatory chemicals that can gradually worsen irritation, redness, and bumps.
- Is rosacea curable or only manageable?
Until now, rosacea has not been curable; rather, it can be managed. Proper adjustments and treatments can help combat rosacea and its conditions.
- Are there any new treatments available for rosacea?
Some newer rosacea treatments include:
- Topical ivermectin cream (Soolantra) to reduce inflammation.
- Oxymetazoline cream (Rhofade) also reduces redness.
- Light therapies to treat your broken capillaries and redness.
What’s Next With The Rosacea Treatment?
Although rosacea might not entirely be curable, you can still manage the triggers and control the flare-ups. Moreover, red light therapy sessions can also help you control the triggers and keep rosacea under control. However, we’ll always recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional first before proceeding with your RLT sessions.
