You may have acne rosacea if you have acne-like symptoms and look as if you are blushing most of the time. If so, you should read on. Some adults who assume they have acne are actually afflicted with rosacea or acne rosacea as it is often referred to. Those afflicted, often mistake the bumps and pimples for acne.
Acne rosacea is a rather broad-spectrum, chronic skin disorder believed to affect up to 13 million Americans. This skin disorder seems to affect mostly fair-skinned people, and is usually found in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Women are generally affected more than men. The symptoms of rosacea resemble acne and several other skin disorders, so a visit to a dermatologist is in order to carefully study your symptoms to obtain a correct diagnosis.
The (4) primary symptoms of acne rosacea are:
(1) The primary signs are flushing, persistent redness, bumps/pimples, and visible blood vessels. These symptoms can worsen over time, and finally lead to permanent changes in one’s appearance.
(2) Acne rosacea is characterized by small, hard, inflamed pimples.
(3) Unlike regular acne, acne rosacea does not produce blackheads or whiteheads.
(4) This skin disorder occurs mostly in men and women with fair skin over the age of 30 with men developing it around the nose and the symptoms appearing on the cheeks and chin in women.
Causes of Acne Rosacea
The causes of acne rosacea are obscure, but may be possibly related to vascular damage by exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and certain drugs. Generally, flares-up occur when an affected person is exposed to certain environmental or dietary conditions. Even a glass of wine can cause a flare-up in some individuals. The Rosacea Research Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to funding unique research on the underlying causes of rosacea.
Acne Rosacea Treatment
Treatment should start with identifying possible “trigger” factors for the individual patient. If diagnosed early, there are good treatment options available to keep your skin from worsening. Because the symptoms often develop slowly, rosacea has often been mistaken for sunburn, leading to an unnecessary delay in treatment. The Rosacea Research Foundation is a non-profit organization that is also dedicated to finding effective treatments that address the root causes of the disorder.
Rosacea is a lifelong malady and requires long-term treatment. While acne rosacea may be bothersome, it is not life threatening, and can be controlled by following your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you have any concerns about your skin problem or its treatment, see a dermatologist for suggestions. Medical attention and patient involvement are the keys to coping with acne rosacea and the cornerstone of its treatment.