Rosacea is a chronic condition characterised by recurrent episodes of facial flushing, redness and spots. The areas of the face commonly affected are the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Rosacea occurs when the blood flow to the facial skin increases. This is due to the small blood vessels in the skin dilating (widening), allowing for an increase in blood flow.
For treatment you need to look for products with Brimonidine Tartrate which belongs to a group of medicines called alpha agonists. These medicines work by stimulating the alpha receptors found in the muscle walls of the blood vessels. When applied topically it causes these blood vessels to contract. This decreases the flow of blood through the vessels, resulting in the reduction of redness. One such medicine that has proven results is Mirvaso gel for treating rosacea.
What you need to remember is rosacea is common and also treatable so nothing to worry about as long as you take steps to make yourself comfortable with the condition.
I turned to the blogging community to gain a little more insight into how rosacea can affect everyday life and when it started for them, this is what they had to say:
I don’t suffer but my husband does. It started when he was in his mid twenties. It causes him to blush terribly sometimes, usually in social situations with strangers. For some reason it’s particularly bad when he’s at the checkout in a supermarket. It used to terribly affect his everyday life but he’s learnt mindful ways to control it now, and he’s just learnt to accept it happens from time to time and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. – MiracleMax
I find it flares up most with the change in whether going from hot to cold and vice versa. First noticed it only a year ago age 30 but yes it does affect everyday life I can’t go out without my Vichy dermablend foundation on I just want to hide otherwise! – MummysDiary
I do! I have cystic acne too. I find that it flares up when I’m stressed, in fact I first got it during my degree and have struggled with it for nearly 10 years. Unfortunately they can’t treat while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding (which i have been the last 5 years of my life) I find it so debilitating at times, really shatters my confidence and when it’s very bad it affects my eyesight. When I need to cover it I find mineral makeup is best and I use a green powder to balance the red, it was recommended by my dermatologist.
I can’t wait until I’ve had my most recent baby and they have been weaned so I can get some uber drugs and nuke this thing for good. – ASlummyMummy
XOXO
Debbie
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