Studies: new rosacea cases associated with aging, sun exposure

Recently, dermatological studies have found that the number of cases of rosacea are rising, with an estimate 16 million of Americans diagnosed with rosacea and many more likely awaiting diagnosis. Rosacea is one of many skin conditions associated with aging and is characterized by persistent redness in the face caused by dilated blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin. Although the condition is highly treatable, the the long-term effects of rosacea should be taken seriously to prevent worsening of the condition.

Signature symptoms of rosacea

Apart from signature facial redness, common symptoms of rosacea include small bumps and pus-filled pus-filled spots similar to acne. In fact, the full medical name for rosacea is acne rosacea, a sister disease to the traditional form of acne, which dermatologists call acne roasaris. Very often, rosacea is mistaken for sunburn because the redness can be hard to distinguish, especially if you are an aging adult developing rosacea for the first time. Part of the reason cases of rosacea are increasing is because more people are realizing that their long-term facial redness is actually a skin condition, and not a result of excess sun exposure.

Understanding root causes

Rosacea often runs in families, although its exact causes are poorly understood. Experts believe the condition is a result of blood vessel abnormalities, which cause vessels near the skin to dilate and become red. Some research indicates that the condition is caused by a high number of skin peptides that prompt an immunological response in the skin. There are also many triggers for rosacea, such as spicy foods, hot weather, stress, caffeine, and even harsh skin products that cause flare-ups in redness.

Looking for treatment

There are many different treatment methods for rosacea that your dermatologist can prescribe for you, most of which are topical and have limited side effects. Topical rosacea medications include creams and ointments designed to reduce redness. In more serious cases, oral antibiotics or isotretinoin (commonly known as acutane) can be used for more permanent relief. Some dermatologists also offer laser treatments designed to reduce the abrasion of blood vessels.

If you are recently developing facial redness that doesn’t seem to be fading like a sunburn, you are far from alone. Rosacea is a common skin disease and one with a strong outlook for treatment methods, but it’s important to consult your dermatologist to obtain treatment that can prevent the condition from escalating and spreading across your face.