What Is Rosacea Skin Condition?

Rosacea is an inflammatory blood vessel and capillary disorder that most commonly affects adults.

Rosacea usually appears on the face giving the skin a reddish flushed appearance, although it can also occur on the neck, chest, scalp and ears.

The first signs of rosacea appears as frequent skin flushing or blushing that lasts longer than normal, which may then progress to the formation of bumps, pimples and visible blood vessels under the surface of the skin.

A typical rosacea sufferer can expect periods of flushing causing the skin to look red, followed by periods where the skin returns to its normal colour.

Some other symptoms of rosacea include:

• Persistent redness of the skin.
• Skin inflammation.
• Bumps, pimples and congested skin.
• Spider veins.
• Eye irritation.
• Burning or itchy skin.
• Rough dry facial skin.
• Raised red patches of skin.
• Thick skin on the nose or cheeks.
• Facial swelling.

It is important to note that if you have any of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have rosacea.

It could simply be due to using the wrong skin care product, or not cleansing your face properly.

If you have these symptoms all the time however, then you should speak to a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis

What Causes Rosacea?

Skin care experts are not in complete agreement as to what causes rosacea, although they do know that some people are genetically predisposed to it (usually people of Celtic or Scandinavian descent).

The mostly likely causes of rosacea are:

Human Demodex Mite

Virtually everyone hosts the demodex mite on their skin, but in some people the mite grows out of control under the skin of the face which then causes the characteristic redness associated with rosacea.

Why the mite grows out of control remains unknown, although genetics are likely to play a large role.

Evidence for this is supported by the fact that people who have rosacea and take skin care products which are designed to kill the mites see a great reduction in their rosacea.

Products to treat such rosacea usually include a natural antibacterial such as buckthorn berry oil and tea tree oil.

Autoimmune Disorders

Another possible cause for rosacea is that it occurs because of a gastro-intestinal organism which then triggers an auto-immune reaction which causes the body to attack itself.

However there is no conclusive research to prove this theory, or any way to reverse the autoimmune reaction.

Unfortunately because little is know about the causes of rosacea, finding a treatment that works for you will take time and plenty of experimentation.

Your best option is to speak to a dermatologist, as they will be able to give you the best advice that is targeted at your unique skin type and condition.

What Are The Stages Of Rosacea?

Rosacea is a progressive condition, which means you usually start at stage one and will progress to a stage up to stage four.

However it is important to note that not everyone progresses through all stages, and most people get “stuck” in a particular stage and don’t progress any further.

Below you will find a description of the different rosacea stages:

Stage One Rosacea

Stage one rosacea is characterised by skin flushes which make the skin look persistently red, sometimes with visible blood vessels under the surface of the skin.

During this stage you notice that at times your face becomes unusually red, and then later returns back to its original colour.

Some things which may cause stage one rosacea are drinking alcohol, taking very hot showers, taking hot baths, saunas, drinking alcohol or doing high intensity aerobic exercise.

Stage Two Rosacea

In stage two rosacea blood vessels underneath the skin become more visible and permanent causing the skin to stay red or flushed for the majority of the time.

You may also develop small bumps and pimples underneath the skin, although these tend not to be permanent and will come and go.

Most people who have rosacea will stay in this stage.

Stage Three Rosacea

By stage three the skin looks very red and flushed and can be painful to the touch. By now the blood vessels have lost their elasticity which results in blood pooling under the skin giving it a bruised appearance.

The blood vessels have also become damaged at this stage which makes it difficult for the lymph system to carry away toxins.

The result of this is a thickening of the skin which is noticeable as an enlargement of some area of the face (usually the nose or cheeks).

Stage Four Rosacea

Stage four is the most severe form of rosacea and can present itself as a very serious medical condition.

Not only does the skin appear red, bruised and is sensitive to the touch, but your eyes start to become dry, burn and may swell shut with edema.

Styes (inflammation of sebaceous gland in eyelid) in the eye can even lead to a loss of vision.