Rosacea is commonly confused with acne, but it is a completely separate skin condition. Similar to acne, it affects the pores. Unlike acne, it is limited to the center of the face. If you suspect you may have rosacea, it is important to see a dermatologist. Self-treatment can further aggravate the condition and worsen the symptoms.
Signs of Rosacea
Rosacea occurs on the center of the face. It usually doesn’t appear until the age of 30, which is why it is often confused with “adult acne.” Some of the signs of rosacea include redness, bumpiness, red or pus-filled bumps, eye irritation, thickening of the skin, dryness, and irritation. In its beginning stages, rosacea may look like a sunburn or blush.
Rosacea Triggers
There is no cure for rosacea, because doctors don’t fully understand what causes it. It tends to occur most often in fair-skinned individuals that blush frequently. It also tends to affect women more often than men, but men tend to experience more severe symptoms. Avoiding common triggers can help to reduce the symptoms of rosacea, as well as prevent the symptoms from occurring. These triggers include:
- Direct or indirect heat
- Extremely cold or hot weather
- Harsh skin care products
- Stress
- Alcohol consumption
- Exercise or sweating
Antibiotics can be prescribed to help lessen the symptoms of rosacea. Don’t attempt to treat rosacea yourself. Over-the-counter acne medications will likely aggravate the condition. A dermatologist will be able to help you effectively treat your rosacea. To learn more about rosacea, contact us at Allen-Taintor Dermatology today!