Facial redness that stubbornly persists, or thickening of the skin on an area of the face, usually the nose are key features physicians look for when diagnosing rosacea.
And since there are no tests for it, that’s exactly how doctors decide whether or not an individual has this particular skin condition, which affects more than three million Canadians.
Other possible symptoms include papule or pustules (pimples not caused by blocked pores), prominent blood vessels on the face, itching, burning, stinging, or swelling of the skin; as well as dryness, irritation and prominent blood vessels on the margins of the eyelids.
Despite the cheery-sounding origins of the term, which is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘rose-coloured’, rosacea can wreak havoc on an individual’s psychological and social wellbeing.
However, even though scientists haven’t yet been able to pinpoint what causes rosacea, we do have treatments that can help improve symptoms.
You can find more information about those, as well as tips on caring for your skin if you have rosacea, in Good Times’ latest ‘Your Questions’ column.
A big thank-you to Dr. Jerry Tan, a dermatologist in Windsor, Ont., who sits on the medical committee of the Acne and Rosacea Society, for so generously sharing his time and expertise.
Still have questions about rosacea? Check out the resources on the Acne and Rosacea Society’s website: rosaceahelp.ca
Photo Courtesy of Dr. Benjamin Barankin