This blog is written by our guest blogger, Dr. Stephanie Sutton, psychiatry resident at UNMC-Creighton in Omaha.
As you get ready for holiday photos, you may find yourself looking in the mirror and wondering why your cheeks or nose appear red. It could be rosacea. Rosacea is a common disorder found in individuals over the age of 30. It is more prevalent in fair-skinned people. Although it is more common in women, it can occur in either gender. Sunlight can exacerbate rosacea symptoms which include redness, flushing, and dryness. Other exacerbating factors include alcohol, hot beverages, and spicy foods – unfortunately all found at a holiday party. Studies have shown that people who have rosacea are more likely to suffer from depression, feel stigmatized, and avoid social situations. They can have higher incidences of embarrassment and social anxiety. In other words rosacea can affect one’s quality of life. Increased blood flow to the affected skin is heightened in rosacea and blushing secondary to embarrassment is particularly noticeable in a patient with rosacea. There are treatments available for rosacea. Don’t let rosacea keep you from feeling confident and happy around the holidays!
Sources: UpToDate and “A Look at the Psychosocial Impact of Rosacea” by Lisa B Samalonis in The Dermatologist, Sept 2016 issue
