Rosacea and Redness
Rosacea often starts with redness; this is caused by excessive blood that is blocked within sensitive tissues in the face. This redness is accompanied by burning, itching and a stinging feeling which signals the presence of inflammation. These symptoms start gradually and may turn into longer episodes or flare-ups. There are many “triggers” to redness and as the condition progresses, inflammation increases, and papules (bumps) and pustules (bumps with pus) will appear, this symptom may persist for weeks. Facial pores become larger and prominent, and with solar exposure, skin becomes yellowed, leathered. These symptoms may manifest and spread from the face to the neck, chest, and scalp regions.
Not all redness is rosacea, and not all rosacea is the same.
Sensitive Skin
Many people have sensitive skin and will get redness, itching, stinging and swelling (inflammation) from coming into contact with an allergen (makeup, lotion, dust, etc.). It usually subsides quickly once the offending substance is removed.
Nervous Blushing & Redness
Embarrassment and social anxiety are familiar feelings, but many people feel these more intensely than others. Personality traits such as shyness may trigger blushing. Blushing, in days past, was considered an endearing trait in women, evidence of their sensitivity and purity. It is possible to speculate that many with rosacea were getting credit for undeserved wholesomeness.
Redness of this type is caused by nervous connections from emotional centers of the brain which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Any activation of these nerves causes ‘constriction of our body blood vessels’ except in the ‘facial blush/flush areas, where dilation occurs. Adrenaline release can also be involved, in situations of fear, anxiety, or fright. It’s part of our ‘fight or flight” reaction in response to danger. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to prolonged facial redness.
Exercise & Redness
Exercise opens blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially in the face and neck, to help us maintain a normal body temperature when exerting in physical activity. Lactic acid may accumulate, further stimulating vascular dilatation. This is a normal function of the body, but may be annoying for those who do have rosacea.
While some people might struggle to control their rosacea symptoms from reappearing, much more are able to clear up their skin for good by making certain changes to their lifestyles — and also possibly taking medications at the same time. As you’ll learn, even if you’ve tried several lotions, creams, and pills before with no success, there are many holistic steps you can take to help prevent rosacea from causing painful or embarrassing redness, breakouts and irritations.
When it comes to skin flare-ups — whether from rosacea, acne, eczema, hives or other conditions — usually there are some specific triggers that cause skin symptoms to emerge. It isn’t always possible to completely “solve” rosacea, but following the rosacea treatment suggestions below can limit your exposure to triggers that increase inflammation. This helps naturally prevent rashes or at least stops them from becoming worse.
Most people equate rosacea with having a red, “flushed” face, but for most people, the symptoms go beyond this. Depending on the type of rosacea, people might experience symptoms including:
- Redness in the face, especially toward the center of the cheeks and nose
- “Spider veins,” which are visible broken blood vessels
- Swelling and painful skin
- Sensitive skin that easily reacts to the sun, skin care products, feeling hot or sweating
- Stinging and burning in the skin
- Dry, rough, itchy or scaling skin
- Easily blushing when embarrassed
- Acne-like breakouts and overly oily skin
- Large, visible and inflamed pores
- Raised patches of skin called plaques
- Bumpy texture to the skin
- Parts of the skin that thicken, especially common around the nose (but also can appear on the chin, forehead, cheeks and ears)
- Sensitivity of skin around the eyes, including watery or bloodshot appearance, redness, dryness, stinging, itching, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, cysts, and pain
Not every person with rosacea has the same noticeable signs and symptoms present. There are different rosacea treatments that work best depending on the subtype, so your doctor will want to look at the specific condition of your skin and eyes in order to know how to best manage your unique case. In the case that rosacea affects your eyes, you might also need to visit an eye doctor (ophthalmologist), who will know the best way to treat the area surrounding the eyes and how to prevent vision problems from worsening.