Causes
Although the causes of Rosacea are not apparent, it can often be traced back to hereditary factors as well as your surrounding environment.
There are various assumptions as to the causes of Rosacea. The most common assumption relates to a blood vessel disorder which causes vessels in the face to flare up and swell. On the other hand, others argue that Rosacea is a chronic bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system. Although no assumption has been proven conclusive, Researchers have also suggested that tiny mites, living in human hair follicles may play a role by clogging up sebaceous gland openings.
However, one thing is certain — alcohol does not cause Rosacea. Even though the consumption of alcohol can lead to flushing of the skin which effectively may worsen Rosacea, people who don't consume alcohol at all still get Rosacea and therefore the relation is not conclusive.
Rosacea usually appears in three phases:
- Pre-Rosacea. In the Pre-Rosacea phase the skin is prone to flushing or blushing easily as a result of the dilation of blood vessels which are close to the skin’s surface, this then progresses to a persistent redness in the centre of your face which is most predominant on the nose.
- Vascular Rosacea. As the symptoms of Rosacea become more aggressive, your skin may become very sensitive resulting in small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks which swell and become visible. At this stage, the Rosacea may cause your skin to become more oily than usual with the potential of dandruff as well.
- Inflammatory Rosacea. Small, red pimple like spots may appear across your cheeks, nose and forehead
Risk factors
There are a number of environmental factors that can stimulative or aggravate the symptoms of Rosacea, therefore causing the redness in your skin by increasing the blood flow to the surface of the skin.
Factors to look out for include:
- Hot Foods and Drinks
- UVA and UVB Rays
- Spicy or Chilli Foods
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Strenuous exercise
- Corticosteroids
- Hot and Cold Temperature Extremes
- Anger, Embarrassment, Stress or Anxiety
- Sauna’s, Steam Rooms and Hot Baths
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, such as some blood pressure medications