Why Does Rosacea Often Go Untreated?

Studies suggest that up to 20 percent of the population may have some level of rosacea, and the disease is especially prevalent in those who have fair skin, are of European descent, and are women. But, despite its widespread reach, as many as 90% of people with rosacea may not be getting treatment for the condition, or even be aware that their symptoms are rosacea.

In addition to lack of knowledge of the condition, many of the symptoms of rosacea can mimic or be misdiagnosed as other skin issues such as acne, sensitive skin, or just general blushing. Many people don’t go running to the doctor because they have been blushing frequently, or think that they have sensitive skin, but, seeing as how these may actually be presentations of rosacea, it is always best to get any changes in your skin checked out by a professional.

Rosacea isn’t life-threatening, but it can come along with distress from persistent redness or blemishes severe enough to decrease a patient’s quality of life. In surveys done on rosacea sufferers by the National Rosacea Society, 68% of responders claim they have reduced self-esteem and confidence due to their rosacea, 41% have avoided or canceled social events because of their skin, 66% feel that their professional engagements have been negatively affected, and 28% feel that their rosacea had an impact in them being passed up for a job or promotion.

In addition to the mental stress of dealing with rosacea, untreated rosacea can progress, become more prominent or persistent, and may eventually lead to permanent facial redness or eye damage from long-term eye-related symptoms. The more severe stages of rosacea may include eye issues including redness, dryness, grittiness, styes, or the feeling of an object being in the eye. Some people may even experience a thickening of the skin on the nose called phymatous rosacea leading to an enlarged, bumpy, red, and bulbous appearance.

When it comes to rosacea, or any changes happening with your skin, it is best to get the opinion of a medical professional and to start treatment as soon as possible no matter how minor you think the issue may be. Brushing off cheeks that seem redder than usual or an increase in small blemishes may be easy enough to brush off or try to handle with over-the-counter measures, but you may be doing your skin a disservice in the long term. Rosacea usually does not ever go away, but with topical or oral medications, the symptoms can be managed and the progression may be slowed.

Seeing a dermatologist in person, or having doctors review your symptoms and skin images for free online through Strut Health may help you catch your rosacea in the beginning stages. Strut Health offers a variety of rosacea-treating prescription ingredients that doctors can formulate into a topical cream specifically for your skin, symptoms, and rosacea goals. If you are a good candidate for rosacea treatment online through Strut Health, your prescription medication can be shipped to your front door with free 2-day shipping.