For those with rosacea there are many factors than can trigger a flare-up. These are 10 of the most common things that cause a flare-up in rosacea sufferers.
From Visually.
10 Triggers of Acne Rosacea Flare-Ups
acne
10 Triggers of Acne Rosacea Flare-Ups
Rosacea – the signs, the symptoms and the treatments
M. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara – M. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara: Cutaneous lesions of the nose. In: Head & face medicine Band 6, 2010, S. 7, ISSN 1746-160X. doi:10.1186/1746-160X-6-7. PMID 20525327.
– M. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara: Cutaneous lesions of the nose. In: Head & face medicine Band 6, 2010, S. 7, ISSN 1746-160X. doi:10.1186/1746-160X-6-7. PMID 20525327.
Rosacea is a common but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face.
It can be controlled to some degree with long-term treatment, but sometimes the changes in physical appearance can have a significant psychological impact.
Symptoms of rosacea
Symptoms often begin with episodes of flushing, where the skin turns red for a short period, but other symptoms can develop as the condition progresses, such as:
burning and stinging sensations
permanent redness
spots (papules and pustules)
small blood vessels in the skin becoming visible
Rosacea is a relapsing condition, which means there are periods when symptoms are particularly bad, but less severe at others.
Read about the symptoms of rosacea.
When to see your GP
See your GP if you have persistent symptoms that could be caused by rosacea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the condition getting worse.
There’s no specific test for rosacea, but your GP will often be able to diagnose the condition by:
examining your skin
asking about your symptoms
asking about possible triggers you may have
In some circumstances your GP may arrange further tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as lupus or the menopause. For example, these could be a blood test or skin biopsy, where a small scraping of skin is removed and examined.
Causes of rosacea
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, although a number of possible factors have been suggested, including abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face and a reaction to microscopic mites commonly found on the face.
Although they’re not thought to be direct causes of the condition, several triggers have been identified that may make rosacea worse.
These include:
exposure to sunlight
stress
strenuous exercise
hot or cold weather
hot drinks
alcohol and caffeine
certain foods, such as spicy foods
Treating rosacea
There’s currently no cure for rosacea, but treatment can help control the symptoms.
Long-term treatment is usually necessary, although there may be periods when your symptoms improve and you can stop treatment temporarily.
For most people, treatment involves a combination of self-help measures and medication, such as:
avoiding known triggers – for example, avoiding drinks containing alcohol or caffeine
creams and gels – medications applied directly to the skin to reduce spots and redness
oral medications – tablets or capsules that can help clear up more severe spots, such as oral antibiotics
In some cases procedures such as laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment may be helpful. These involve beams of light being aimed at the visible blood vessels in the skin to shrink them and make them less visible.
Living with rosacea
Any long-term (chronic) condition can have an adverse psychological effect, but rosacea can be particularly troublesome as it affects your appearance. This can change how you feel about yourself and how you interact with others.
Many people with rosacea have reported feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and frustration.
It’s important to try to come to terms with the fact you have a chronic condition that, although incurable, is controllable.
Persevering with your treatment plan and avoiding your individual triggers are the best ways of controlling your symptoms.
As your physical symptoms improve, you may start to feel better psychologically and emotionally.
If you have rosacea, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. There are millions of people living with the condition in the UK and across the world.
You can find support and information from organisations such as:
the National Rosacea Society – an American charity whose website has useful information and advice for people with rosacea
Changing Faces – a charity for people with facial disfigurements, who can be contacted on 0300 012 0275 for counselling and advice
Speak to your GP if you’re feeling depressed as a result of your condition. They may recommend further treatment if necessary.
Ocular rosacea
Rosacea that affects your eyes (ocular rosacea) can lead to a number of eye problems, some of which can be serious.
Symptoms of ocular rosacea can include:
feeling like there is something in your eyes
irritated and bloodshot eyes
inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
Rosacea can sometimes cause the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eyeball, to become inflamed and damaged. This is known as keratitis.
This damage can make the cornea vulnerable to ulceration and infection, which could potentially threaten your sight.
Symptoms of serious problems with your corneas include:
eye pain
sensitivity to light (photophobia)
deterioration in your vision
Contact your GP immediately if you think you may have a problem with your corneas. If this isn’t possible, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.
If keratitis isn’t treated promptly by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specialises in treating eye conditions, there’s a risk of permanent vision loss.
6 Natural Ways to Tackle Acne
Pimples and acne are prevalent skin curses since they annoy many people and nobody wants to have them. Many people wonder how they can get rid of acne without using expensive skin care products. And the good news is that there are numerous ways that you can implement to tackle acne effectively without indulging in any expensive medication.
Acne can be very annoying especially when you are planning to attend a very important event then you realize that you have an ugly red spot on your face.
No Popping
Many people are fond of popping their pimples or acne because they think that it will make them fade away. But that’s a wrong idea because popping the acne makes things worse. The pulse spreads on your face and makes the situation scarier.
Just avoid doing it. Yes, you might think that popping the pimple or acne will work, but it is ironical because popping them will result in more pimples. Popping infects other pores because it causes bacteria living in the pimple to spread into them.
To make it worse, popping can result in scarring because it further inflames the area. It’s the worst possible thing you could do as gratifying and tempting as it may be at the time.
It’s normal to have the urge to pop a pimple but it’s upon you to ensure that you fight it accordingly.
Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the best plants when it comes to skin care. It is a well-known anti-inflammatory that helps in soothing puffy eyes. When you apply cucumber on your face, it is advisable that you leave it for ten to fifteen minutes before you remove them or wash them off.
You can easily create your own paste by blending two to three teaspoons of lemon juice with finely grated cucumber. They will help to reduce the angry redness given that they work just as well for pimples.
Tea Tree Oil
Over the decades, teat tree oil has been used as very powerful natural skin care oil. It is highly beneficial for acne treatment given that it possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Simply use a Q-tip or a cotton wool ball to apply the tea tree oil on the affected area or the pimple. The oil has been shown in a recent study to be very important and to be just effective as the acne medication benzoyl peroxide.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is one of the best essential oils and it is well-known for reducing age spots and appearance of sunspots.
It has the ability to strengthen the skin cells and improve its defence mechanisms and elasticity against blemishes or bacteria.
Frankincense essential oil is very powerful given the fact that it is one of the best essential oils.
It can also be beneficial for healing cracked or dry skin and fading of marks associated with pregnancy such as surgery scars or stretch marks. Scientific study has shown that it heals wounds and reduces appearance of acne and scars by lifting and toning skin.
The oil has great abilities to protect your skin from aging and keep it looking young every day.
The oil can be used in various body parts that have started sagging like under the eyes, jowls, or the abdomen. It can also be used to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, large pores and acne blemishes. Frankincense essential oil helps protect skin cells, meaning it is a powerful astringent.
However, you should first check and see whether you have any allergic reactions to frankincense essential oil. You can test with a small patch area first. When you don’t experience any reaction, then you can go ahead and use this oil.
Garlic
Garlic is a very powerful plant that works as a medication for many conditions, including acne. Due to its high levels of anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties, as well as antioxidants, garlic comes in handy as a fantastic natural way for fighting acne.
Peel the garlic clove and rub it on the affected area at least three times a day. That way, you can be assured of getting more immediate results.
Garlic helps to prevent future breakouts because it purifies your blood and thus helps in improving your general health.
Therefore, you should consider adding more garlic to your diet in order to effectively fight acne. With time, you will come to realize the importance of garlic when it comes to fighting acne.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is well-known for its healing power and given the fact that it improves cellular communication within your skin. According to research, Lavender essential oil helps produce three most powerful antioxidants for your body including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, which are very beneficial for fighting acne.
Lavender oil is more effective when used in the morning or in the evening right before bed and in the morning after taking shower. If you want the best essential oils brands for your skin then you need to read up on a few reviews on this website.
Now you can see how it is easy to fight acne using natural ways. You can go ahead and try out the above six tips to get rid of acne.
For more information on the amazing skincare benefits of essential oils, take a look at the infographic below.
This Infographic – 10 Best Essential Oils For Skin – Was Created By Fixyourskin.com
Acne – causes , symptoms, treatments and myths.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest.
Acne?
The spots can range from surface blackheads and whiteheads – which are often mild – to deep, inflamed, pus-filled pustules and cysts, which can be severe and long-lasting and lead to scarring.
Read more about the symptoms of acne.
What can I do if I have acne?
Keeping your skin clean is important, but will not prevent new spots developing. Wash the affected area twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser, but do not scrub the skin too hard to avoid irritating it.
If your skin is dry, use a moisturiser . Most of these are now tested so they don’t cause spots (non-comedogenic).
Although acne can’t be cured, it can be controlled with treatment. Several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available at pharmacies.
If you develop acne, it’s a good idea to speak to your pharmacist for advice. Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, but be careful as this can bleach clothing.
If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription.
When to see your GP
See your GP if you cannot control your acne with over-the-counter medication or if it is causing you distress and making you feel unhappy.
Also see your GP if you develop nodules or cysts, as they will need to be treated properly to avoid scarring.
Treatments can take up to three months to work, so don’t expect results overnight. Once they do start to work, the results are usually good.
Read more about treating acne.
Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots as this can lead to permanent scarring.
Find out more about complications of acne.
Why do I have acne?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.
It affects the grease-producing glands next to the hair follicles in the skin. Certain hormones cause these glands to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).
This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.
The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores (opening of the hair follicles). Cleaning the skin does not help remove this blockage.
Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it is likely that you will also have acne.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women.
There is no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.
Read more about the causes of acne, including some common acne myths.
Who is affected?
Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will be affected by acne.
Acne is most common between the ages of 14 and 17 in girls, and boys between 16 and 19.
Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-twenties.
In some cases, acne can continue into adult life. About 5% of women and 1% of men have acne over the age of 25.
Acne myths
Despite being one of the most widespread skin conditions, acne is also one of the most poorly understood. There are many myths and misconceptions about it:
- “Acne is caused by a poor diet.” So far, research has not found any foods that cause acne. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended because it is good for your heart and your health in general.
- “Acne is caused by having dirty skin and poor hygiene.” Most of the biological reactions that trigger acne occur beneath the skin, not on the surface, so the cleanliness of your skin will have no effect on your acne. Washing your face more than twice a day could just aggravate your skin.
- “Squeezing blackheads, whiteheads and spots is the best way to get rid of acne.” This could actually make symptoms worse and may leave you with scarring.
- “Sexual activity can influence acne.” Having sex or masturbating will not make acne any better or worse.
- “Sunbathing, sunbeds and sunlamps help improve the symptoms of acne.” There is no conclusive evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight or using sunbeds or sunlamps can improve acne. Many medications used to treat acne can make your skin more sensitive to light, so exposure could cause painful damage to your skin, not to mention increase your risk of skin cancer.
- “Acne is infectious.” You cannot pass acne on to other people.