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Rosacea Skin Care: What Are Your Options?

By: Chonticha Marijne No one likes skin problems like acne, wrinkling or age spots, but dealing with chronic and serious skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrhea or rosacea can be emotionally devastating to everyone who suffers from them. While some people deal with typical skin problems that strike just about everyone from time to time, rosacea is something different, and is more difficult to treat than others.

Spidery looking veins that appear on the surface of the face and cause what can be called flushing cause rosacea. This type of skin condition is not typically found in young teens or adults, and for the most part, strikes middle-aged adults, especially males. Eruption of thin, long-fingered veins appear on the surface of the cheekbones and nose of the person suffering from rosacea, though it is also common for pimples to appear in conjunction with the veins as well. These may be found on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, and don't look like acne per se, as they are not whiteheads or blackheads.

Periods of flushing typically foreshadow the development of this skin condition, which often feels like the heat of a blush to those experiencing symptoms that are often ignored. However, reddened blotches soon appear and stay put, and only then do patients begin to realize that something is going on with their facial skin. At this point, constant redness, which looks like wind chaffing or chapping, is usually prevalent on the cheeks, though sometimes it appears on the jowls and the nose. This redness is followed by the appearance of the fine, spidery veins that can be seen just below the surface of skin on the nose and cheeks. Sometimes, raised bumps with a yellowish tip and red rims may form.

For those suffering from untreated rosacea, nasal tissues may enlarge. Famous actor W.C. Fields, who did suffer from rosacea, had such a nose. Treating rosacea is often difficult. Patients must avoid drinking or eating items that cause blood vessels to dilate, as well as sunlight and rapid changes in temperature. However, daily use of sunscreen may help with the flushing aspects of the skin condition. Avoiding alcohol and hot drinks will also help, as such serve to dilate blood vessels and cause flushing sensations, much like those experienced after eating hot, spicy foods. While some people are more susceptible to such conditions, the flushing is always a precursor to flare-ups of the condition.

Sometimes, doctors may prescribe antibiotic medications such as tetracycline to help eliminate the bumps that appear with the condition. Another medication that is effective in relieving less severe cases of rosacea is called metronidazole, a gel that is used topically on the affected skin areas. However, patients must keep in mind and remember that it may takes weeks, and sometimes months, to see any improvement in skin conditions.

While there is nothing much that can be done about the spidery veins, called telangiectasias, they can be covered with cosmetics. For those with severe cases of visible veins, laser treatments may be possible, and provide effective results. In this type of procedure, a needle is inserted into the vein, through which an electrical charge is passed through, cauterizing the vein. However, you must see your doctor regarding possible methods and treatments for your individual case of rosacea, and he or she will determine which treatment options are best for you.