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Rosacea Causes and Treatment

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes a rash consisting of small red bumps on the face. Approximately 100 million people worldwide suffer from rosacea, according to the International Rosacea Foundation.

  1. Causes

    • The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, there are some things associated with the condition that cause it to flare-up or worsen, including spicy foods, hot foods or beverages, alcohol, exposure to extreme heat or cold, sunlight, stress, anger, embarrassment, exercise, hot baths, saunas, corticosteroids and blood pressure medications.

    Risk Factors

    • People who are light-skinned and of Celtic origin are more likely to develop rosacea than others, according to the International Rosacea Foundation. If you have a family history of rosacea, you are also at higher risk of developing the condition, reports the Mayo Clinic.

    Time Frame

    • People are more likely to develop rosacea between the ages of 30 and 60. Rosacea is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse as years progress.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for rosacea, but many people experience fewer outbreaks of rashes associated with the condition by using prescription medications like topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide and oral antibiotics or isotretinoin.

    Self-care

    • Using a gentle cleanser and avoiding beauty products or lotions with alcohol or other harsh chemicals helps minimize some of the skin irritation that causes rosacea flare-ups, according to the Mayo Clinic. Wearing sunscreen in the summer and a scarf or ski mask to cover your face in the winter also reduces the number of outbreaks.

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