What causes rosacea as you get older?

Unfortunately, as we get older, we can develop more health problems. That can include skin conditions like rosacea. While there is no actual cure for rosacea, the good news is there are some excellent treatments available for easing the symptoms. But what exactly is rosacea and what causes it?

What is rosacea?

The skin condition rosacea is very common. It causes the flushing or blushing of your face. Blood vessels can become visible and sometimes small pus-filled bumps can occur. Most people with rosacea see their symptoms flare up for a few weeks or months before disappearing for some time.

What treatments are available?

The treatments that are available for rosacea focus on controlling the signs and symptoms. The most common treatment is a combination of good skincare and medication. However, it can take time to find the right skincare products to help treat your rosacea, so it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional dermatologist. For example, the treatments from Nava MD are formulated by dermatologists and personalized with your unique skin complexion in mind.

What causes rosacea as you get older?

​While rosacea can affect anyone of any age, it is actually most common in middle-aged white women; and it can get worse the older you get. What causes rosacea as you get older is unknown. In fact, what causes rosacea in anyone is not known for sure. However, after many studies, many experts agree that rosacea could be due to factors that include an overactive immune system, environmental factors, and heredity.

A little more is known about the causes of flare-ups, although the causes do not apply to everyone. If you have rosacea, you should make note of when your flare-ups happen to identify if any of the following things affect it:

• Spicy foods.
• Hot drinks.
• Alcoholic beverages. 
• Exercise.
• Feeling emotional.
• Sun or wind exposure.
• Temperature extremes.
• Medications.

​Furthermore, you are more likely to develop rosacea if you are female, over the age of thirty, have light skin, have a family history of rosacea, or smoke.

Are older people more likely to get rosacea?

Medical experts agree that rosacea can become progressively more severe without treatment, and it can become particularly intrusive in older patients who have delayed diagnosis and treatment. According to a survey by the National Rosacea Society, which involved 2,000 patients with rosacea, 44% said their symptoms first developed when they were in their thirties or forties and 43% said they first noticed symptoms after the age of fifty. Only 13% said they first developed rosacea symptoms before they reached the age of thirty.

What should you do if you have rosacea symptoms?

​The first thing you should do upon noticing rosacea symptoms is to make sure that it actually is rosacea. Sometimes things like acne can be mistaken for rosacea. Visit your doctor for a diagnosis. Then get advice on the best skin care treatment from a dermatologist. If you feel self-conscious, you could use cosmetics to make your skin’s appearance less blemished and red. Having rosacea can be distressing, but that is perfectly normal. If you are feeling distressed and alone with rosacea, consider talking with a counselor about your feelings or joining an online or offline support group.