Even though we enjoy buying blushes and bronzers to add a bit of color to our cheeks, having unwanted red cheeks from rosacea is never a good look. That’s why during the month of April, The National Rosacea Society wants to raise awareness about the inflammatory skin condition. Often confused with sunburn, acne, allergies and other skin ailments, rosacea is characterized by flushing, redness, bumps and blemishes. Although it affects people with fair skin more commonly, we BGs have been diagnosed too.
Here are a few facts:
* Rosacea affects 16 million Americans, many of whom don’t know that they have it.
* Rosacea can be triggered by common foods, environmental and emotional factors
* Common food and drink triggers include alcohol (especially red wine), cheeses, caffeine, hot beverages and spice food.
* Cold or hot weather and wind can cause rosacea flare-ups, and stress, anger and embarrassment can also be triggers.
The good news is that it’s totally treatable. If you find that your skin is going through a funky stage, head to your dermatologist to get to the root of your problem. Remember, enhancing ourselves with cosmetics is fun, but having healthy skin underneath is the most important.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE!
Do you suffer from a skin ailment? Share your comments.
I realized last year that i have this rosacea. I am 39 years old and i did not understand why i would get so many blemishes at this age. I take good care of my skin and eat healthy (most of the time). But then i knew i had to go to a dermatologist. I live in europe and it was difficult to find a dermatologist who knows about our skin. But my cousin found one (she’s having the same issues) and i will have a consult in a few weeks. thanks for the article. Before last year i thought rosacea was something only white people deal with. So its good to read more articles about it, im sure it will be an eye-opener for many.
@Anonymous – Thanks for sharing your story. You’re so right, so many African-Americans go undiagnosed because we think rosacea doesn’t affect us. I hope the dermatologist you found will be able to address your skin issues. I wish you all the best!!! 🙂
I have eczema and I’m allergic to the sun With eczema, my skin (mostly on the back of my legs), gets really itchy and dry, depending on what products I use. So I have to stick with things with extra moisture and stay away from lotions with fragrance or perfume as one of the main ingredients.
With my sun allergy, if I am in direct sunlight with no sunscreen, my arms break out with itchy red bumps. Also, the sun makes me feel really weak and tired.
@Sunny – WOW, I think I have the same condition. It only started after I gave birth to my daughter last year. I get these red itchy bumps that get worse in the summer. I went to my derm and she said it was something called Pityrasis or something, but I think it might be a form of eczema. Thanks for mentioning sunscreen, I always forget to use it. Btw, that’s so ironic that you’re allergic to the sun, “Sunny.” 🙂
Looove your blog babe!!! I too have eczema and have the exact same problems with my legs as Sunny. It’s something I’ve lived with since a baby so I’m used to it and it’s not as horrible as some of my relatives. I’m thankful for that^_^
@Brown Girl Gumbo: No problem chica!!!! I always forget sunscreen, my arms are broken out now. lol. And all I did was drive (the sun gets me through my windows- I need to get tint!!!)
And I LOVE Sunshine! UGH. I have to get shots from the dermatologist to fight my sensitivity when I go down to Miami!
Great post Karla!! Very helpful!