The first symptoms of rosacea are flushing and redness of the face, called erythema, usually affecting the forehead, cheeks and nose. Less commonly it also affects the chest and neck and the scalp and ears. Other symptoms may develop later including small red papules (bumps), pustules, irritation of the eyes, burning or stinging sensations and dilation of the surface capillaries. The erythema may also become semi-permanent.
Rosacea generally affects the face only so if there are symptoms in other areas it may not be rosacea or there may be another condition present as well as rosacea. It can be mistaken for seborrhoeic dermatitis or acne vulgaris.
Rosacea is more common in women and those between thirty and sixty are the most likely to be sufferers. Fair skinned people who have tendency to flush or blush easily are believed to be the most likely to suffer from rosacea. Women make up the majority of sufferers but when men develop rosacea they often have more severe symptoms. One famous sufferer was W.C. Fields who’s swollen, red nose was the result of rosacea.
There is no known cure for rosacea and the cause is still unknown. If you have symptoms that you believe to be caused by rosacea consult a dermatologist or other health care practitioner. Without proper treatment the condition can become severe and disfiguring.
The Major Symptoms of Rosacea
Intermittent flushing or redness of the face.
Persistent redness or a permanent blush
Pus filled pimples or red bumps. There are no blackheads associated with rosacea so this indicates that it is not acne.
Burning or stinging sensations on the flushed areas.
Visible blood vessels on the surface of the skin of the face.
Other Symptoms
Irritated red eyes. This is known as ocular rosacea and the eyes are red, itchy and often watery. Medical treatment is essential to prevent permanent damage to the cornea.
Skin thickening especially of the nose
Swelling of the face
Red plaques on the face
Dry skin on the nose, forehead and cheeks
Natural Rosacea Skin Care Remedies
Rosacea needs to be treated by a qualified medical practitioner but there are many things you can do at home to improve the condition. First and foremost never use any product on your face that irritates the skin. Specially formulated rosacea skin care products are available that are designed to be mild and non irritating to the sensitive skin sufferers of rosacea often experience.
Never try to treat the condition yourself with acne preparation as these may contain acids, alcohol or other ingredients that can make the condition worse.
The following natural remedies should be used at the same time as prescribed treatments to improve the condition of the skin. You should consult your doctor before using them to make sure they will not interfere with the prescribed treatments.
Chamomile boiled in distilled water and cooled can be applied to the affected areas.
Cold compresses on the red areas can temporarily reduce the flushing
Aloe is soothing on flushed, irritated skin
Witch hazel can be used to gently tone the face
Drinking apple or grape juice is though to help reduce the redness
For more information visit Rosacea Skin Care Products or read Natural Remedies to Help in the Treatment of Rosacea
Submitted By ArticleUnited.com