Skin Concerns: Is Rosacea Viral?
Rosacea affects both men and women. Based on medical research, the ratio is three females to one male. Rosacea affects 60 to 80 women per 1,000 people, while affecting only 20 to 30 men per 1,000 people.
Although more women suffer from this skin condition, it is more severe in men. Nonetheless, regardless of gender, this condition can cause low self-esteem.
In terms of race, rosacea is more common to white people. In fact, it affects more than 15 million residents in the United States. The condition is worse in European countries given that the prevalence rate is 10 percent. Conversely, rosacea occurs less in Asian and Spanish-speaking countries. The cases of rosacea are even rarer in those of African descent.
Rosacea is rare in kids and teens. However, it is at its peak in people ages 30 to 60. Aside from age, family history also predisposes people to this skin disorder. Many people think acne and rosacea are the same. Yes, their symptoms are similar, but they are two different skin diseases.
Rosacea vs. Acne
Rosacea was originally termed acne rosacea. Why, you ask? First, both share the same features. Their early symptoms include facial flushing and pimples.
Second, both appear on the same areas. They are more common on the face, but they also extend to the neck and chest. However, some things make these skin conditions different from each other.
For one, acne is common in teenagers, while rosacea is common in young adults and adults. Second, acne does not affect the eyes. However, rosacea may affect the eyes and the nose.
Third, hormonal changes cause acne, while recent studies show flaws in the immune system may cause rosacea.
For sure, acne is not viral, but, is rosacea viral? This is among the common questions people ask. This is in addition to the query, is rosacea contagious? This skin disorder is not fatal; yet, knowing the answer is vital to avoid killing your self-esteem.
Is Rosacea Viral?
Viral diseases are those caused by viruses. Meaning, it pays to know what causes rosacea to find out if it is indeed viral or not. Doctors and experts still do not know the exact cause of rosacea.
However, some studies say too much dilation of facial blood vessels cause the redness on the face. Some researchers also relate the disorder to poor lifestyle, which includes eating unhealthy foods.
This skin disorder is much like acne, and acne is bacterial; hence, is rosacea bacterial, as well? Doctors advise patients with rosacea to take anti-inflammatory drugs rather than anti-bacterial ones.
This is because unnecessary use of antibiotics many only lead to antibiotic resistance. This is a problem for some patients who take anti-bacterial drugs thinking what they have is only acne. Keep in mind that the use of these drugs when you have rosacea will only worsen the condition.
How can people know if their disorder is acne or rosacea? A doctor’s visit is the key. There is no specific test for rosacea; however, during the visit, the doctor will assess the condition of your skin. He will also take your medical history and check the signs and symptoms. It is the doctor’s role to give the final diagnosis.
Is rosacea viral? The answer is no. Is it bacterial? There is still no fixed answer to this. However, doctors prescribe drugs to patients in order to fight inflammation rather than fight bacteria.
Is rosacea infectious? While most viral diseases are contagious; rosacea is not. This is another signal that explains why this skin condition is not viral. Direct contact of the skin of rosacea patients does not spread the disease. People do not also get it through contact of blood and other body fluids, either.
Management Tips For Rosacea
Like any other condition, a visit to the doctor is vital. This is before you do anything by yourself. Tell your doctor the symptoms you have observed. For your doctor to end up with the right diagnosis, always be honest. Also, highlight if there is another family member who is suffering from the same symptoms, too.
Some patients, especially older adults, also suffer from pain in the eyes. If you are among these patients, then make sure to tell this to your doctor. In some cases, eye discomforts are only mild.
However, it is severe for some. Thus, a referral to an eye doctor is necessary. Rosacea has four subtypes. Subtype 1 is mild facial redness. Subtype 2 is the appearance of bumps and pimples. Subtype 3 involves facial thickening.
Subtype 4 is ocular rosacea; meaning, it already affects the eyes. During a doctor’s visit, he will assess what subtype your condition belongs. The treatment option he will give you is basing on these subtypes and the severity of your rosacea. Rosacea has many treatments. However, remember your case may be not the same with other patients. Hence, you should not try to treat this skin condition on your own.
For rosacea patients, it is ideal to seek help by joining a support group. These groups aim to improve the life of people with skin diseases, such as rosacea.
Rosacea is a common skin disorder across the globe, but experts and common people alike know only a little about it.
Thus, it is also a good move to try to participate in studies. Who knows – someday, there will probably be a cure for rosacea.
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