If you have rosacea, chances are stress will have you literally seeing red. In a survey sponsored by the National Rosacea Society, 91 percent of rosacea patients claim stress is a factor in flare-ups. The types of stress cited vary, with anxiety linked to 67 percent of flare-ups, and anger coming in second at 54 percent. Rosacea, an acne-like skin disorder affecting an estimated 14 million Americans, can have serious repercussions for the sufferer, causing social anxiety and affecting overall happiness and quality of life. This article is intended as a general overview of stress-induced rosacea and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.
About
Rosacea, a chronic disorder that comes and goes according to various triggers, initially appears as a flushed, red area on the nose, cheeks or forehead. Developing in people over 30, rosacea tends to worsen over time, recurring with greater intensity and frequency as the disease progresses. If left untreated, rosacea may result in pimples and bumps on the face, and cause the nose to swell and become misshapen. Rosacea can also affect the eyes, making them appear red and feel gritty and uncomfortable.
Causes
According to the National Rosacea Society, no one knows exactly what causes rosacea. Several different factors may cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate and trigger a rosacea response. Microscopic skin mites, skin damage, blood flow, follicle irritation or psychological issues are all probable causes of rosacea. Dr. Richard Granstein, chairman of dermatology at Cornell University, believes that stress produces neuropeptides, and neuropeptides in turn cause the blood vessels to dilate and the skin to flush.
Cycle
According to Dr. Ted Grossbart, a psychologist at Harvard University and author of "Skin Deep: A Mind-Body Approach to Healthy Skin," stress may cause rosacea flare-ups, and the flare-ups may cause stress. If you suffer from rosacea, this dynamic may provoke a vicious cycle. You may even produce so much anxiety around rosacea flare-ups that you develop an actual phobia. Erythrophobia, or the fear of getting red, can cause you to become so afraid of facial flushing that the fear alone can exacerbate the rosacea.
Isolation
Dr. Geoffrey Nase, a rosacea specialist, says that stress can create a domino effect in rosacea sufferers. Changes in brain activity may cause an increase in "sympathetic nerve activity and hormone release," which can then trigger symptoms of rosacea. If this happens, your sensitivity to stress and other triggers may actually increase, resulting in more flare-ups. If the sympathetic nerves and hormones are continually stimulated, it can cause a near-constant rosacea reaction.
Anxiety
Nase characterizes rosacea-related anxiety as either short-lived, occurring at the time of each episode, or as chronic, occurring both during and in between flare-ups. If you have chronic anxiety related to rosacea, chances are you will spend a great deal of time and energy trying to anticipate various triggers to avoid possible flare-ups. If you find socializing stressful because you are self-conscious about your rosacea, you may start to avoid people. If your desire to avoid others becomes too strong, it may become habitual, and lead to social isolation. Considering anything from stress to spicy foods can trigger an episode, it is often difficult to anticipate what will cause symptoms to erupt.
Stress Management
The National Rosacea Society reports that 40 percent of survey respondents use stress-reduction techniques to control rosacea. Grossbart suggests using deep breathing and visualization techniques to reduce stress. He advises you to learn to let go of things that exist beyond your control and focus instead on things you can change. Grossbart also encourages people to minimize stress by getting plenty of sleep, eating well and exercising on a regular basis.
Treatment
If you suspect you have rosacea, consult a doctor for treatment and advice. Topical and oral antibiotics may bring immediate relief, and laser therapy may reduce redness and the appearance of blood vessels.
References
- National Rosacea Society: Stress Management Relieves Unsightly Facial Disorder
- Rosacea Awareness Program: Understanding Rosacea
- Naional Rosacea Society: What Causes Rosacea
- Dmase.com: Rosacea and Emotions: Anxiety
- National Rosacea Society: Awarded Grants 2008: Studies in the Role of Sympathetic Neurotransmitters in Rosacea
