Redness, flushing, papules, and pustules. When appearing together on the face of one individual, a diagnosis of rosacea is likely.
So, what is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness, and often pus-filled bumps, on the cheeks and surrounding skin. It is most commonly seen in fair-skinned, middle-aged women, though anyone can suffer from the condition.
The good news? Rosacea is not a medical concern. However, it can be embarrassing for the sufferers. And while your doctor may prescribe medications (like antibiotics or anti-acne) during a flare, it’s not the only way to control the condition.
If you’re interested in reducing your rosacea flare-ups and managing symptoms at home, then read on.
Note: If your doctor has prescribed medication for your flare-up, do take the medication as prescribed. The advice offered here does not replace a medical doctor’s recommendations.
What Causes Rosacea?
At this time, the cause of rosacea is unknown.
Whatever the underlying cause may be, there are some things that can result in a flare-up of the condition. These include:
- Hot or spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Sun or wind
- Emotional distress
- Harsh temperatures
- Exercise
- Blood pressure medications
- Some cosmetics or skincare products
If you have rosacea, I recommend keeping a journal to track potential triggers. This will help you to avoid them in the future.
How Is Rosacea Treated?
While treatment for a flare-up is not always necessary, you may seek relief if you have a particularly bad reoccurrence.
Your doctor may prescribe you different medications, depending on the severity and symptoms. The two most common are:
- Oral antibiotics: For moderate to severe rosacea flares, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
- Oral anti-acne: For severe rosacea that doesn’t respond to other medications, an anti-acne medication may be prescribed. This helps to reduce inflammation and clear up the pus-filled lesions.
It may take some trial and error, but you and your doctor will soon find the medications that work for you.
How to Treat and Manage Rosacea at Home
The best “treatment” for rosacea is prevention. This means reducing the potential for triggers in your life, such as in your diet, your detergents and soaps, and your skincare routine.
The most common triggers for rosacea are alcohol (particularly red wine), spicy foods, and harsh chemicals. You can try to remove these from your lifestyle first.
Skincare
I also strongly recommend you take a critical look at your skincare products and cosmetics.
There are certain ingredients that may trigger a flare, or make a current flare worse. These include:
- Fragrance
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
In addition to using “cleaner products,” you can also make some changes to your skincare routine. For example:
- Wash your face twice per day with a gentle cleanser
- Apply SPF and moisturize
- Protect your skin from the sun with hats or other protective gear
At Home Relief
You may also find that certain ingredients work best to soothe irritation during flare-ups. These include:
- Aloe vera
- Oatmeal
- Coconut oil
- Chamomile
If you will be using these for the first time, I recommend you try a patch test to ensure you are not allergic. Apply to a small patch of irritated skin on your face and wait 24 hours before applying all over the affected area.
If you suffer from rosacea, what has been the most beneficial lifestyle or skincare change you’ve made?