There is nothing quite as embarrassing as a skin disorder. We’ve all had them at one time or another. I struggled with acne as a kid and so does my daughter. It’s no laughing matter and while we can easily cover up our legs and arms, our face is another story. When you have bad skin, no amount of make-up is going to help.

Affecting over 16 million Americans, rosacea is one of the most common skin disorders. It can happen to anyone and we are still unsure of what causes it. Breakouts can come and go and symptoms vary from person to person. They can be as mild as a facial blush or as serious as blemishes and bumps. Many people mistake rosacea for acne but they are actually quite different. If you suspect you have rosacea, over-the-counter acne treatments will not work for you and in fact may make your skin irritation worse. Only a dermatologist can help with the treatment of rosacea by prescribing FDA-approved oral or topical treatments.

April is Rosacea Awareness Month and Cynthia Nixon, of Sex-In-The-City fame, is helping spread the word. Having suffered from rosacea herself, she is all too aware of the embarrassment this condition can cause… especially when you are a public figure.



So, you think you might have rosacea?

Rosacea typically occurs after age 30 in fair-skinned people. You might get those bumps and redness on your face that look similar to acne, but aren’t caused by bacteria. Your skin might be red and tiny blood vessels might appear. Rosacea can even effect your eyes, causing redness and irritation. You also might find that it comes and goes and seasonal weather conditions, stress, exercise and alcohol can all bring on flare-ups. Although thought of as something women get, men are not immune. Still not sure, take this rosacea quiz to learn more. If you suspect rosacea might be what you have, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

There are actually 4 different types of rosacea:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. With this type you will have a flushed appearance, redness that doesn’t go away and you might see tiny red blood vessels.
2. Papulopustular rosacea. This type looks most like acne, with pimple-looking bumps as well as the above redness.
3. Phymatous rosacea. This type causes thickening of the skin and you might see it most on the nose and surrounding tissue. Most often occurring in men, this advanced type of rosacea, phymatous, affects the oil glands causing an enlarged nose.
4. Ocular Rosacea. This is the type that affects the eyes most. You might have dry eyes and swollen eyelids along with the red skin. Your eyes might burn and tear and if not cared for by an ophthalmologist, it can cause serious corneal damage.

Although a doctor might be able to help clear up your skin, the emotional damage caused by rosacea can be devastating. Embarrassment, lack of self-esteem and confidence, depression. You might find you are calling in sick to work or to social events. This doesn’t have to ruin your life… don’t let it take over. There is help. Join the rosacea facebook page to keep updated on treatments and communicate with other people in your situation. You are not alone.

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