What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects parts of the face. Around 15% of women in Ireland are affected by rosacea, most of them in middle age. Its symptoms can include flushing, redness, spots, thickened skin and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms, but any can be concerning or distressing to the sufferer.
In some rare, severe cases, the oil glands around the nose, and sometimes cheeks, become enlarged, resulting in a build-up of tissue around the nose. This condition, more common in men, is called rhinophyma and develops slowly over a number of years.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it seems to be impacted by hereditary and environmental factors. For example, women are much more at risk than men (although men often seem to suffer more severely if they develop the condition), especially if they’re over 30 with fair, sun damaged skin. Smokers have a much higher risk of rosacea but, despite some common beliefs, it isn’t caused by poor hygiene.
Because they increase the flow of blood to the skin’s surface, there are a number of factors which seem to activate rosacea or to make it worse. They include:
- Hot drinks
- Spicy food
- Extreme temperatures
- Sunlight
- Wind
- Strong emotions
- Exercise
- Cosmetics
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, such as blood pressure medications
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As a result, it’s recommended that people suffering from rosacea avoid these triggers, as far as is possible.
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How can I treat rosacea?
At Dundrum Clinic, we offer treatments to help alleviate all these symptoms of rosacea. For more information, give our fully trained practitioners a call or pop in for a chat. We can arrange a professional, thorough initial consultation for just €20 – refundable in full should you choose to take up treatment – to discuss the most appropriate option for your individual circumstances.
