What Is Rosacea - 10 Helpful Tips

Rosacea is a relatively common but not very well understood condition of the facial skin that is estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. And many of them don't even know it. As a matter of fact, a Gallup survey revealed that 78 percent of the people in this nation don't know anything about this disorder, how to recognize it, or what to do to cope with it. Unfortunately, rosacea is not curable, but it is treatable with a variety of medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes.

Many who suffer from rosacea noticed that it began after they were over 30 years old and starts mildly as a noticeable redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, neck, chest, scalp, or ears. It is a progressive disease and will get worse if left untreated, as it often is in the beginning because it is mild and not life-disrupting.

If not treated, the condition will cause bumps and pimples to develop. In the most severe cases, your nose may become swollen and bumpy. Its also fairly common for rosacea patients to suffer irritated, watery, and/or bloodshot eyes.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) recommends several actions to keep your rosacea at bay in their "What is Rosacea Guide":

1. Always protect your face from the sun.

2 Stay inside, in air-conditioning cool, on hot and humid days.

3. If you must be outside when it's hot, be prepared with cold drinks and do not over-exert yourself. Chew on ice chips to lower facial temperature and/or continuously spray your face with cool water.

4. In the cold weather, cover your face with a scarf.

5. In the winter, use a moisturizer daily.

6. Reduce stress. Take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, exercising enough, and getting a good amount of sleep. Do not drink too much caffeine. When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try deep-breathing exercises, use visualization techniques, stretch out and relax all your muscles.

7. Eating (and drinking) right for rosacea suffers means avoiding hot soup or drinks, spicy foods, and alcohol.

8. Other foods that you might want to avoid if you notice flare-ups after consumption include cheese, sour cream, yogurt, citrus fruit, liver, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast extract, vinegar, eggplant, avocados, spinach, broad-leafed beans and pods, and foods high in histamine or niacin.

9. While exercise is a good thing overall, if you suffer from rosacea, you might be better off toning it down a bit, and do not get too overheated.

10. In facial cleansers or moisturizers, avoid all ingredients that sting, burn, or cause redness. Some of the main culprits include alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil or clove oil.

Hopefully this article has been helpful in your understanding of what is rosacea. Remember to consult a doctor or dermatologist before trying and medication or treatment for this condition.