Understanding What Causes Rosacea

Do you suffer from rosacea? Are you trying to find out what causes rosacea and how to prevent it from getting triggered? Most people who suffer from this skin disease feel very conscious about it. Approximately 45 million people across the world suffer from this skin infection. The medical community is still uncertain about the causes of the ailment. However you can identify the conditions that trigger the symptoms and avoid them.

The common symptoms of rosacea include:

  • Redness of facial skin.
  • Red pimples around the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.
  • Thin red lines appear on the face as blood vessels become visible.
  • Skin becomes sensitive and you may experience a burning sensation. The skin may also become dry and rough.
  • There may be irritation in the eyes and blurry vision.

What Causes Rosacea

There are many hypotheses regarding the cause of rosacea. Some of the more accepted ones are mentioned below:

  • This skin disease is hereditary in nature. Fair persons of Celtic or European origin are more prone to developing this ailment.
  • Excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine of a person can cause the disease.
  • Small mites called Demodex mites live on the skin of human beings. More mites are found to inhabit the skin of people suffering from rosacea than those who do not suffer from the ailment.
  • As experts are unable to conclusively pinpoint what causes rosacea, there is no known cure for it. However one can treat the symptoms of the disease. The symptoms vary greatly from one person to the other. So you would need to seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist to get a treatment that's tailored for your symptoms.

    Factors That Trigger Flare-Ups

    The symptoms of rosacea often get aggravated or flare up due to certain conditions that result in the expansion of the blood vessels of the face. These conditions are called as triggers. Before you consult a physician, you should first analyze the factors that activate a flare-up. Some of the most common triggers have been mentioned below:

    • Certain foods like yogurt, sour cream, cheese, chocolate, vanilla, citrus fruits, spicy foods and foods high in histamine.
    • Beverages like alcohol, hot chocolate and liquids containing caffeine such as coffee or tea.
    • Saunas, warm baths, humid climates, exposure to the sun and heat.
    • Emotional strain and anxiety.
    • Drugs like vasodilators and topical steroids.
    • Menopause and persistent cough.
    • Certain skincare products and cosmetics.

    Once you have ascertained what causes rosacea to flare up in your case, you can avoid all such factors. This, along with medical treatment, would enable you to treat the symptoms of the ailment and prevent it from occuring.