We usually blush because we are triggered by romantic stimulation, embarrassment, shyness, or anger. But if you are experiencing intermittent face redness without any psychological or emotional triggers, you might be suffering rosacea.
There is no reason why you should be ashamed of this condition. Bill Gates, Diana, Princess of Wales, and 3 million Canadians today are suffering from rosacea. Although there is no cure for this skin disease, you can still do something about it. Applying proper lifestyle changes and availing treatments can help manage rosacea and allow you to live your life without constantly thinking about how you look.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition usually characterized by redness, bumps, pus-filled pimples, and inflamed blood vessels depending on the severity of the condition. It affects adults from 30 to 50 years of age. Rosacea appears on any skin type but is prevalent among people with fair skin. Medical experts point to either genetics or environmental influences as the known reasons why a person can contract this skin disease.
The tiny bumps and inflammations can make the skin rough and uneven. This skin disease commonly appears on the parts of the face like the nose, forehead, chin, or cheeks. Almost 50% of people suffering from rosacea also endure bloodshot eyes.
What are the symptoms that you must watch out for?
- Constant blushing or redness
- Visible red lines on the affected part of the face
- Dryness of the skin
- Small pus-filled bumps
- Burning or itching sensation in the affected area
How is rosacea treated?
If you will leave rosacea on its own, it only gets worse. That is why even though it does not have a cure, you need to get it treated. You may consider this skin condition as something similar to acne, but be wary of using over-the-counter products like acne creams to treat it. Self-treatment may irritate your skin more. The best thing you can do is to find a family doctor or a skin specialist who can prescribe medications best suited for the treatment and management of rosacea. Depending on your choice your dermatologist can recommend topical medicine, oral formula, cosmetic surgery, or a combination of any of these.
Can an online doctor in Canada accommodate patients with rosacea?
Online clinics are a convenient alternative to get your skin disease checked, especially with the global pandemic around. They offer 24/7 service to anyone who would like to connect using their mobile phones or digital devices through the internet. With a few clicks, you can be connected to fully-licensed Canadian physicians and specialists. You can find a dermatologist who can accommodate patients suffering from rosacea in online clinics. If you are hesitant to go out of your house to get treated, this is the next best alternative for you.
You can choose any online doctor Canada website and book an appointment there. The online dermatologist would usually ask what your symptoms are, observe the severity of your skin condition via video call or photo, and talk to you about family history and important information to come up with a treatment plan. After describing your skin condition, the doctor will then make a diagnosis, provide a digital prescription, and then offer a course of treatment. The physician will also recommend further tests or a face-to-face schedule if you end up having a severe case of rosacea.
Living with the skin condition
Having a chronic disease is challenging for anyone who wants to live a normal life. Rosacea oftentimes affects how you look, and even though it’s not something to be ashamed of, the stigma surrounding the disease makes it difficult for a person to go out with a straight face. Sufferers of this skin condition tend to have low self-esteem. The conspicuous red veins and pimple-like bumps can damage the face, but some patients learn how to cover them up with corrective make-up while undergoing medication.
The popular notion that rosacea is caused by poor hygiene or overconsumption of alcohol makes it more difficult for people living with rosacea to confidently interact with other people in public places. Research shows that approximately 75% of patients have severe low-esteem. And the same percentage believe that the skin condition hinders them from seeking career opportunities. Because of the physical, social, and psychological effects of the skin disease, people living with rosacea need all the help and encouragement from friends, family, and even the community.
If you are currently suffering from the disease, surround yourself with people who can support and motivate you to consult a dermatologist, and pursue a treatment plan. Treatments cannot cure it, but it can manage your condition by reducing or getting rid of signs of redness and pimples on your skin, relieving the burning and itching sensation, and preventing the disease from getting worse. Managing your condition can lessen flare-ups and eventually boost your confidence.