The Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea

No one has been able to determine what exactly causes rosacea. Scientists and researchers are in agreement regarding one fact, however - that rosacea is primarily the result of some irregularity or damage in the blood vessels of the affected areas. This damage can be due to repeated exposure to different stimuli.

Due to prolonged and repetitive exposure over a period of time, the blood vessels in the affected areas become highly responsive to stimuli, both internal as well as external. The response to stimuli manifests in the form of dilation of the vessels, and this dilation is what causes the flushing or the redness.

Over a period of time, if left untreated, the period of dilation increases, and after a while, these vessels remain permanently dilated, thereby leading to the condition of permanent reddening of the affected areas.

Factors that trigger Rosacea

There are a number of factors that can set off a rosacea episode. These factors are called triggers, and identifying the triggers goes a long way in finding ways to control the rosacea episodes. These triggers include exposure to extreme heat and cold conditions, certain food types (e.g. spicy food), alcohol, as well as some kinds of medicines.

Besides this, there is also a genetic angle to rosacea. Fair skinned people originating from European or Celtic descent are more prone to the condition than other people.

The symptoms od Rosacea

As mentioned earlier, rosacea is commonly characterized by the flushing of the skin in the affected areas. Over time, this flushing can change to a permanent reddening, if no care is taken.

Besides, flushing, other symptoms include an itching and burning sensation, enlargement of the skin on the nose, dry eyes and eyelids, pain in the affected areas, emergence of red lines in the skin of the affected area (these are not lines, but small blood vessels), pustules containing pus, and papules.

Rosacea Treatment >>