If your skin constantly feels inflamed, red or irritated, you may be suffering from rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that mostly affects adults who have fair skin and are over the age of 30. Rosacea normally occurs on the face (cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin), but can also present itself on other parts of the body. Most people go years ignoring their rosacea symptoms because they mimic other conditions like rash and sunburn. It is important to identify rosacea at your earliest convenience, but to do so requires a bit of knowledge on its symptoms.

Rosacea has four stages:

1. Your face will appear flushed as if you were just embarrassed by your little sister. The redness may come and go but must be a reoccurring issue to be diagnosed as rosacea. Your skin may also become dry and flakey.
2. The redness that once dropped by for a visit is nowhere to stay.
3. Broken capillaries and puss filled pimples will begin to develop where your skin is red. When blood enlarges the blood vessels they become more visible, and can even be seen when redness can’t.
4. Your skin may begin to thicken and develop more lesions. Men often develop a condition called Rhinophyma in which hard bumps appear on the nose.

You may need to visit a medical professional to verify if you actually have rosacea. This condition is nothing to be embarrassed about, in fact there are about 45 million people worldwide who currently suffer from rosacea. If you no doubt have rosacea, you must know that there is no cure but there are many ways to keep your symptoms under control.

Tips for managing Rosacea

If you have been diagnosed professionally, your doctor may prescribe one of these medications to help get rid of rosacea

Antibiotics may help with rosacea

One of the most common rosacea treatments are antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that you will use depends on your physician.

Have you ever tried azelaic acid?

This ingredient helps reduce inflammation which is why it is used to get rid of rosacea.

Medications for high blood pressure may work

Beta-blockers are often used to keep blood pressure under control. As far as rosacea is concerned, beta-blockers are great because they help reduce rapid blood flow and calms blood vessels. Those with broken capillaries may benefit from using beta-blockers. The FDA has yet to consider beta-blockers as an official treatment for rosacea symptoms but they are still prescribed.

Maybe you need more estrogen

When a woman enters menopause, they begin to experience hot flashes. Hot flashes cause blood flow to increase and cause a red, flustered appearance. A common cure for this issue is to provide menopausal women with more estrogen so their symptoms are reduced.

There are also medical procedures used to help get rid of rosacea

Using lasers can stop rosacea in its tracks

Lasers are currently being used for many skincare treatments including rosacea. For those whose rosacea comes with telangiectasia (broken capillaries), a laser can be used to zap them away. Be sure to visit a reputable doctor if you are interested in a laser procedure, if done incorrectly it can cause more redness, irritation and burn your skin.

Dermabrasion can assist you

More commonly used for men with Rhinophyma, dermabrasion is the act of shaving away textured skin. The nodules that appear on the nose can be shaved down so they are less prominent.

A natural approach can reduce rosacea symptoms

Try a DIY facial mask

These homemade masks can help reduce rosacea symptoms:

Cucumber Mask

Cucumbers can either be blended into a paste or can be rubbed directly into the skin.

Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties which is why it is great for rosacea. Mix oatmeal with a little yogurt so it is easier to apply as a mask.

Use honey, Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand. It is called Manuka honey because the bees that create it feed on Manuka flowers. This honey reduces inflammation, is loaded with antioxidants for environmental protection and is antibacterial.

A little tea should work

Herbal teas have been used to heal various conditions for many years. Those with rosacea will benefit from green, lavender, chamomile, and peppermint teas. Be sure to never drink scolding hot tea, remember hot beverages will only increase your redness. Instead, cool the tea after boiling it. Tea compresses can also be created by absorbing a washcloth into your tea and holding it over any red areas. The tea will be absorbed through your pores, which allows your skin to directly benefit from it.

Learn about some other masks.

Although there is no way to prevent rosacea there are a few things you can do to reduce the symptoms:

• Limit your consumption of spicy foods and hot beverages. Both of these items can cause your blood to flow faster and rosacea will be more prominent. It is best to begin an anti-inflammatory diet that includes foods like:
  • Apples
  • Coconut
  • Cucumber
  • Melon
  • Spinach
  • Rice
  • Sweet potatoes
• Limit your time in direct sunlight. The sun can increase redness and if your case includes pimples, it could bake in an acne scar.
• Avoid extreme cold, though it may help constrict the blood vessels, it can cause your redness to worsen
• Too much stress can make your blood boil, adopt a few habits that help you better cope with it. When a person is under pressure they often get red and flustered.
• Be sure your skincare products do not contain harsh ingredients. Those with rosacea often have skin that is very sensitive, and highly active ingredients will only cause your redness to increase. Anything that stings or burns, scrubs the skin, or is an astringent should be tossed, they will only make things worse.
• Always wear sunscreen to ensure extra protection against outside elements. A physical sunscreen is recommended to avoid the stinging that some chemical sunscreens can cause.
• Rosacea can come and go so if your symptoms disappear you should stick with your normal skincare routine.
• Avoid consuming alcohol.