Do you have sensitive skin? Irritation and redness of the skin? Sensitive skin manifests itself in many forms, so it may be difficult to determine on your own whether you have rosacea. If you are unsure of whether you have a skin condition, we recommend consulting a physician. When left untreated, rosacea will worsen with age, but with an early diagnosis, rosacea symptoms can be managed or even prevented.
Children
In children, the most common indicators of rosacea are eye sensitivity (such as eyelid stys) and small red pimples around the chin or mouth. A family history of rosacea can increase risk significantly, so be sure to take your little one to a dermatologist if these physical signs appear.
Teens and early 20s
Teens and young adults may mistake skin problems related to rosacea as acne. Early symptoms of rosacea include frequent flushing, blushing, and prolonged redness on the cheeks and nose. Another sign is a sensitivity to (and likely ineffectiveness of) acne medications. Teens and young adults may also have both rosacea and acne simultaneously. Because the two are completely separate skin disorders that require different treatments, it is important to consult a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Adults age 30 and above
Self-diagnosis of rosacea can be tricky even in adults, because it does not look the same for everyone. Some people may experience flushing or redness only on one side of their face before it gradually spreads to other areas. Others experience redness and burning or itching on both sides of the face at the same time. Different types of rosacea also exhibit different symptoms.
Prevention
The benefits of early diagnosis are paramount for treating rosacea effectively. With the help of a dermatologist, patients can learn to implement lifestyle changes and skin care treatments that minimize the appearance of flare-ups. There is no single cause or cure for rosacea, but there are long-term skin care regimens that have cured some cases of rosacea. In one survey done by the National Rosacea Society, 48% of respondents had eliminated their rosacea in the 13-year duration of the research, while 52% still had active rosacea. While this is still not ideal, relief for almost half of the people diagnosed with rosacea is certainly promising. The outlook for those with rosacea grows ever brighter as we learn more about this condition.
Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers has created a range of skincare products to help the patients in his Vancouver clinic manage facial redness. He is offering a free, 15-day supply of his Redness Control line for a limited time.
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