Skin Redness / Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea affects around one in ten people in the UK. It usually begins on the face and brings a red flush to skin, but as the condition progresses, other symptoms can appear; such as skin sensitivity. The most advanced symptom of rosacea can be the thickening of the nose skin, called Rhinophyma. While it is benign, it affects the appearance and can have a psychological impact: decreasing your self confidence. A survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that nearly 70% of rosacea sufferers had low self-confidence.

There are also other red skin conditions like seborrheic, atopic (eczema) and perioral dermatitis, psoriasis and lupus that can be controlled with treatment. Certain medications, irritation, sunburn and spider veins can also cause skin redness.

What does rosacea look like?

Rosacea usually occurs on the face and cheeks. You’ll usually experience redness, flushing, and itchiness.

Many people with a history of frequent blushing or flushing have rosacea. Facial redness can either come and go or be more persistent, and it is often one of the earliest signs of the disorder.

You might also have small solid red bumps or pus-filled pimples that can resemble acne. Another common sign of rosacea is the dilation of small blood vessels that become visible through the skin.

Other potential signs of rosacea can include eye irritation, burning or stinging, dry skin, raised red patches (known as plaques), skin thickening and swelling. Rosacea signs and symptoms can also develop beyond the face, extending on to the neck, chest, scalp and ears.

Skin redness can also be indicative of other inflammatory skin conditions or can occur due to irritation. You might experience flakiness, scaly patches and itchy rashes that are more symptomatic of certain types of dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema. Your practitioner can provide you with a skin analysis to determine your red skin condition and advise a treatment programme suitable for your concerns.

Why rosacea happens

Although rosacea can affect anyone, though those with fair skin who tend to blush or flush easily could be more at risk. Rosacea is most frequently diagnosed in women, but the most severe symptoms are usually present on men who have the condition.

It often is hereditary, so it’s helpful to look into your family’s background. When left untreated, blood vessels can start to dilate. It’s relatively common for middle-aged men who often drink to develop a bulbous nose due to the growth of excess tissue.

The eyes can also suffer; as a result, developing redness, itchiness and a burning sensation among other symptoms.

What are the causes of rosacea

Not much is known about rosacea and its causes – One theory is that rosacea is a vascular disorder because the symptoms include flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels.

Others believe the nervous system may be responsible for the symptoms because rosacea can often flare up during times of emotional stress.

A further theory is that increased blood flow during flushing increases the tissue fluid, making it accumulate faster than the lymphatic system can manage.

The presence of a microscopic mite is thought to contribute to rosacea. This mite is usually found in human skin, where it consumes cast-off cells, but rosacea sufferers have a slightly higher number of mites present.

Red skin disorders can be frustrating because flare-ups can happen unexpectedly. Identifying your triggers and avoiding them when possible may help you to manage the condition.

What causes rosacea flare ups?

Some of the most common triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise and alcohol consumption.

Other red skin conditions often occur as an inflammatory response. Certain foods, microorganisms and topical products can be responsible for flare-ups of red skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or perioral dermatitis. Whereas, eczema forms as an allergic response to irritants like detergents and dust mites.

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