A Little About Rosacea Acne
There are many factors that contribute to the likelihood of having rosacea acne. Women are almost three times more likely to be affected than men, with a peak age of onset between thirty and sixty years of age. While it is less likely for men to suffer from rosacea acne, the symptoms are generally much worse than most women experience. Since rosacea acne primarily affects people of northwestern European descent, it has earned the nickname “the curse of the Celts,” but it can also affect people of different ethnic backgrounds.
In general, rosacea acne breakouts affect the face, but in extreme cases it can afflict the ears, scalp, chest and the neck. The skin on the cheeks typically becomes pink or red, which appears just like a common sunburn, but the worst inflammation is in the forehead, nose and chin areas of the face.
There are many different things that can trigger outbreaks of rosacea acne, but they are different for every person. Some very common triggers are emotions such as stress and anxiety, which have been proven to increase the odds of developing many different types of acne.
Some studies have shown that certain foods and beverages can trigger the onset of rosacea acne outbreaks, such as alcohol, caffeine, aged cheese, yogurt, and spicy foods. Being exposed to extreme weather conditions can also be a contributing factor. Bad cases of sunburn, cold wind and drastic temperatures have all been proven to increase flushing and redness, which can worsen a rosacea outbreak.
It is important to understand that rosacea acne is not the same as other forms of acne, and it must be treated differently. Using common acne medications and applying anti acne creams will not clear up or prevent rosacea acne, and in some cases will actually make the rosacea breakouts more frequent or severe. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels can drastically worsen a flare up almost immediately.
If you suspect that you have rosacea acne, it is best to see a qualified dermatologist. Try to find one that specializes in treating Rosacea acne, since they will have much more experience with this specific form of acne. Using the proper treatment will make all the difference in the health of your skin. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and topical antibiotics like metronidazole are commonly prescribed as a first line of defense. Often, they will start you off on a small dose and slowly increase it over time to find the level that is most effective for your condition. There are other medications that may be used if these prove ineffective or if your case is particularly severe.
In recent years, laser treatments have been gaining in popularity. They are particular effective at reducing redness, the most noticeable symptom of rosacea acne. With multiple treatments, this method may actually completely eliminate the redness, though more treatments may be necessary in the future.
While there are many great treatments to lessen the irritation and redness during an outbreak, it is important to address the underlying causes of rosacea acne. This is the only way to limit the frequency and severity of the outbreaks. In addition, maintaining a proper diet and being well rested can do wonders on a more natural level.
