One of the little-known skin conditions that affect as many as 16 million Americans today is rosacea, a chronic ailment characterized mainly by inflammation of the facial skin. A survey done by Gallup, a research and analytics company, has revealed that as many as 78% of Americans are not informed about rosacea. People inflicted with this skin condition possess visibly red facial skin dotted by pustules or bumps which are usually heavy with pus. Since facial redness and pimple-like bumps are common with other skin disorders such as eczema, acne, and allergy attacks, not everyone who suffers from rosacea is able to get appropriate and immediate medical attention.

How to Check if You Have Rosacea: The Symptoms

The most common symptom of rosacea is facial redness. In fact, facial blushing is the earliest indicator of the condition, and most patients have had to deal with this redness on a constant basis. While this redness appears similar to that of sunburnt skin, it never really goes away. Rosacea is a chronic condition, which means it will come and go at various times and recur in different intensities.

People who suffer from inflammatory rosacea develop small pus-filled growths on the surface of the skin. These facial bumps are not unlike acne, but the most important difference between rosacea and acne is that the latter is oftentimes accompanied by blackheads.

A worsening of the condition often leads to swollen, more visible blood vessels on the face. These swollen vessels lead to a blemished, uneven skin tone and facial swelling with burning and itching sensations.

What Leads to Rosacea-Inflamed Skin?

So, what really causes rosacea? According to skin experts, lighter-skinned people are more prone to the skin condition. However, this skin disorder goes beyond just differences in complexion among individuals. Rosacea patients have been found to possess irregularities in their facial blood vessels. A usually harmless skin mite that thrives in human skin, known as Demodex Folliculorum, has also been detected by skin specialists to be of a higher population in people suffering from rosacea. Genetics also play a major role in the occurrence of rosacea. At least 30% of patients have a family member or relative also diagnosed with the condition.

Trigger factors

While an increasing number of people suffering from this condition have been traced to Asia and the Middle East, Americans and Northern Europeans are especially at risk due to their fair skin. Unfortunately, no permanent cure has been discovered, as the condition is known to disappear and to recur at certain times, especially with the presence of trigger factors such as exposure to sunlight, stress, and consumption of spicy food, caffeine, and even dairy products.

If you think you have rosacea, the best route to take is to consult your trusted skin specialist. According to Medical News Today, 1 out of 20 Americans are suffering from this chronic skin disorder.

The right medication, proper management of stress, and some changes in diet can help manage the often-debilitating symptoms and consequences of rosacea inflammation.

Remember, this skin condition is neither just acne nor a skin allergy attack. Rosacea is a serious skin disorder, and one that can make people feel insecure about their appearance.

Image source by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosacea_01.jpg#file
About the author: Frank J. Massino, is the CEO & Founder of a skincare company focusing on rosacea treatment.