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This disorder
usually begins in middle age or later and affects three times as many men as
women.
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Men are also
more likely to develop a symptom called rhinophyma, a condition in which the
nose becomes red and swollen.
However,
anything that causes your face to get hot and red can worsen it. Steer around
common triggers with the following tips.
Skip the
suntan. Everyone knows the sun can make your skin red. With rosacea, though,
your reaction to a little sun can be severe. Stay out of those harmful rays as
much as possible. If you must be outside, cover up with sun block containing a
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. When the mercury rises, wear a
large-brimmed hat to shade your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes. If
humidity aggravates your skin, invest in an air conditioner, and use it during
the summer months.
Watch the
weather Winter weather can be equally hard on rosacea sufferers. Cold can make
your face redden, and icy winds can chap your skin. So cover up. Use a good
moisturizer, and wrap a scarf around your face when you go outside.
Say no to
saunas. They feel great, but a sauna raises your body temperature and expands
blood vessels in your skin.
Cool your
emotions. If you "see red" easily, you might be seeing more of it in
your mirror. Anger can cause a red face, as can embarrassment or even excitement
Try to get your emotions under control. Relaxation, breathing exercises, or
biofeedback might help to keep your face cool, But do not just ignore your
feelings. Talk about what bothers you so you don't keep emotions bottled up.
Focus on food.
Many people with rosacea can't eat spicy foods. Pay attention to any dishes
that cause your face to flush, and avoid them. Sometimes hot soups or drinks
can cause the same problem. Let them cool to room temperature before indulging.
Avoid
alcohol. If having a glass of red wine makes you look like you have a fever,
try white instead. If all alcohol bothers you, choose non-alcoholic drinks.
Exercise
restraint. Rosacea is the perfect excuse for needing help with heavy housework.
Srraining to lift sends blood rushing to your head, turning your skin red.
Obviously, that means weight lifting is out. Avoid swimming in heated pools,
too.
Mind your
meds. Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can cause a type of rosacea. If you
have symptoms of the disorder while taking steroids, report ir to your doctor
immediately. He may be able to switch you to something else. Certain other
drugs called vasodilators relax your blood vessels. Prescribed for heart and circulation
problems, they alow better blood flow. But that could be a problem for your
face. Ask your doctor if any medicine you take is a vasodilator.
Fighting
rosacea early could prevent scarring and other skin dam-age in the future. So
keep a cool head for a clear face.
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