Signs of Acne Rosacea

Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and most often appears with the beginning of puberty. This type of acne is characterized by whiteheads and blackheads. Acne rosacea, on the other hand, usually makes its debut sometime after the age of 30 and before 50. Also, it is confined to the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and eyelids. Unlike common acne, acne rosacea is not linked to overactive oil glands.

The outbreaks seen in acne rosacea consist of minute dilated blood vessels, papules and pustules. These lesions affect the color of the skin causing it to be bright red. The color may even take on a dull red or sometimes a purplish hue. At first the redness may last for just a few hours, but as the condition progresses and recurrences continue, the color persists and can become permanent.

The over-growth of the sebaceous glands, especially those on the nose, lead to thickening of the skin, and an enlargement of the nose. This bulbous nose, as it is called, is one of the best known looks so often associated with acne rosacea. Although rosacea is most commonly seen in women, men have the most severe cases and are the ones that develop the disfiguring bulbous nose, known as rhinophyma. Odd as it may seem, rhinophyma sometimes is the only sign of the condition.

Rosacea outbreaks are aggravated by different things in different people, and those afflicted with the condition soon realize what causes their inflammations to worsen and avoid those things. Some of the common stimulants are hot beverages, spicy foods and alcohol. Also, exposure to the sun and heat can be aggravating factors.

Acne rosacea is not a life-threatening, but it certainly causes severe alterations in a person’s appearance which can lead to psychosomatic and emotional problems.

There are not many complications associated with acne rosacea. But one is inflammation of the eyelashes or outer surface of the eyes which can result in eye irritations. Also, though rare, the membrane covering the lens (cornea) can become inflamed leading to impaired vision.

How Acne Rosacea Is Treated

Topical and Oral Medication. There is no cure for rosacea since the exact cause of the disease is not known. Successful treatment is based on controlling the acne-like symptoms with the same topical and systemic medications used in treating regular acne.

The most effective treatment includes long term use of topical and oral antibiotics to control the eruptions. Tetracycline seems to be the antibiotic of choice. The dosages are slowly lowered, giving enough just to maintain control. The eventual goal is to be able to discontinue the antibiotic altogether without the rosacea pimples returning. Tetracycline is one of those drugs that should never be taken during pregnancy since it affects the unborn child.

Laser and Surgery. Laser treatment has been successful in eliminating the enlarged facial blood vessels. This is a treatment that causes very little discomfort. Also, surgery can be used to remove the excess tissue associated with rhinophyma.

The psychological and stress problems associated with acne rosacea should never be ignored because they can be very severe. A medical specialist may be required.

Acne oil or “sebum” is one of the main causes of acne in teenagers and adults. Everyone’s skin produces some oil. The problem arises when this oil is produced excessively thus leading to clogged pores. Clogged pores lead to pimples.

Causes

Acne oil is one of the causes of acne. In some people, acne could also be caused due to genetics. It could also be due to the hormonal changes in the body. Some females experience pre-menstrual acne flares due to hormones called androgens.

In the recent years, diet has also been cited as one of the causes of acne. Greasy food, soda, iodine products and chocolates have been identified as culprits that cause acne. Though there is no solid scientific proof behind these allegations, many people believe them to be true.

Tips For Acne Free Skin

The fact is that a large percentage of population suffers from acne at some or the other point in their life. However, with few simple tips you can control acne to a large extent.

-Drink plenty of water.

-If you suffer from acne, do not scrub your skin. This will worsen the condition.

-Do not wash your face frequently, as that would dry it. This will cause your body to produce even more acne oil which might end up blocking your pores.

-After exercising, wash your face and body with a mild soap.

-Avoid stress

-Remember to wash away your makeup at night.

-Avoid tight clothes if you have body acne.

-Avoid alcohol and smoking.

-Avoid the sun.

-Go for oil free makeup.

-Avoid staying in humid conditions.

Treatments

Today there are many pimple treatments available in the market. However, it is better to consult a dermatologist before you seek treatment. A dermatologist would be able to examine your acne system and its causes. Based on this analysis, he/she will be able to recommend the right treatment for you.

Natural acne treatments are quite popular nowadays. In the recent years, Tea Tree Oil has been used for treating acne. It has been found to be very effective in killing bacteria (staph bacteria) and is very gentle on the skin. Lavender oil is another effective acne treatment. It has great healing properties and works wonders on the scars left by acne.

One of the main benefits of natural treatments is that they are not harsh on your skin and body. They have no side effects. And if you are able to find the right treatment for your skin type, you will soon see the results.

If you are looking for over the counter products, then ProActiv is one of the most popular treatments available. It consists of a renewing cleanser to help clear pores, a revitalizing toner, and a repairing lotion. Its main active ingredient is prescription grade benzoyl peroxide.

Accutane is another effective acne treatment; however, for this one you would need a prescription. Doctors usually recommend this treatment for those who suffer from a severe acne problem. This medication is to be taken internally. You should definitely be aware of some of its side effects before you go in for this treatment. These include liver dysfunction, dry and cracked lips and birth defects.

Some of the other acne treatments available in the market are Zyporex, Aceticin, Orovo Acne, Oxycerin and Asso Gold Cleansing Bar. Before you go for any treatment, you must remember that not all treatments are suited for all skin types. To select the right treatment, you need to first find out your skin type. Then you can go ahead and look for treatments that are best suited for your skin.

One more thing that you have to remember is that you also need to take proper care of your skin. You must eat right and stay healthy to have an acne free skin. With the right treatment and skin care regime, you can definitely treat your acne oil problem.