Every more people discover that they are experiencing symptoms associated with the common skin condition known as rosacea. In the US alone, nearly 15 million people have to face the redness and visible blood vessels that are associated with the condition. They account for just some of the over 40 million people all over the world who face life with this condition. At the same time, the harmless visible symptoms can be embarrassing for those suffering from rosacea. Thankfully, while incurable, this condition has a number of well-known treatments that can help control the symptoms.

Identifying The Symptoms Of Rosacea

This condition is harmless, though visually unappealing, inflammatory skin condition experienced almost solely by adults. The majority of sufferers are caucasian and have skin with low levels of melanin. It’s common for this condition to be mistaken as being due to sensitive skin or as a tendency to flush or blush easily. This condition tends to come and go in varying degrees of severity, and it’s very unusual for patients to outgrow this condition.

• Swollen Bumps – In some cases of rosacea, red bumps will appear on the face. These bumps will occasionally contain pus, and the skin may feel tender and hot.
• Facial Redness – The most common symptom often appears near the center of your face. Blood vessels may become visible in the skin, and the cheeks and nose will sometimes swell.
• Enlarged Nose – Over time it’s possible for the skin on the nose to thicken as a side effect of rosacea. This often gives the nose a swollen, bulbous shape that is sometimes known as whiskey nose or a gin blossom.
• Vision Problems – In severe cases of rosacea, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to spread to the eyelids. This can lead to them becoming irritated, dry, and swollen. In rare cases, these symptoms, known as ocular rosacea, may precede the more common symptoms listed above.

The same symptoms that lead to the enlargement of the nose can occur elsewhere on the face, resulting in a permanently swollen appearance and thick skin. An enlarged nose is just the most common manifestation of this condition. Women are far more prone to experiencing this condition than men, with children being the least common sufferers. While aggravated by many factors, this condition is believed to be genetic in nature.

Common Treatments That Help Rosacea

With such a great number of people suffering from this condition, there has been a significant amount of research putting into controlling and limiting the symptoms and outbreaks. While rosacea is not acne, there are some acne medications that have proven effective in managing the symptoms associated with it. The treatments commonly used for managing rosacea include:

• Isotretinoin
• Topical Antibiotics
• Sulfa-Based Washes
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Lasers
• Pulse-Light Therapy

While those experiencing minor symptoms of rosacea may find themselves unbothered by them, almost everyone who experiences severe rosacea symptoms seeks relief. Reach out to your dermatologist to get information about this condition and what you can do to manage it.