Left untreated, rosacea gets worse and may even affect your vision

By Geoff Michaels, April 23rd, 2013 | Health | 0 Comments

The skin condition rosacea is like a blush that will not go away. It starts as a tendency to flush more easily and, in time, the redness spreads to the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, becoming ever more severe and persistent. You may develop pimples, nodules and burning or stinging sensations.

In more advanced cases, a condition called rhinopyma may develop, says researchers from a Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. In rhinopyma, the nose becomes bumpy, red and enlarged (the late comedian W.C.Fields suffered from the condition). And around half of people with rosacea also have eye problems, experiencing burning and grittiness. This needs immediate treatment, because it can lead to damage of the cornea and even loss of vision.

There are many effective drug treatments for rosacea, and those affected can also help themselves. Any foods that increase blood flow to the cheeks - spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks and alcohol - will make rosacea worse. Extreme hot and cold environments should be avoided too. And try not to rub, scrub or massage your face - or use potentially irritating cosmetics and toiletries. Again, these dilate the blood vessels in the face and will increase the congestion that’s making you red.