Rosacea is not an easy condition to deal with, and neither is it an easy topic to talk about. After all, it is difficult to explain how you suddenly developed a skin problem that wasn’t there before. The stigma against rosacea is real, so it’s understandable to feel apprehensive about admitting you have it.
But as difficult as it may be, you might be surprised to find out just how much lighter you’ll feel once you’ve shared your journey. Many rosacea patients find that being open about their struggle helps preempt awkward questions and unsolicited advice--that alone is worth facing the fear of discussing rosacea.
More importantly, talking about rosacea can help your loved ones better support you. This is a lifelong condition that you have to live with, and having as many people understand and help you is crucial to your wellbeing.
Here are some ways you can discuss rosacea with your family and friends.
Explain what rosacea is and explain what is not.
A lot of the seemingly insensitive reactions to rosacea are driven by a poor understanding of the condition. By helping your family and friends understand what rosacea is and what it is not, you can minimize these awkward interactions.
In a nutshell, rosacea is a medical condition that causes the facial redness, flushing, dryness, bumps, and sensitivity. If you have a subtype of rosacea, explain the symptoms of that as well. This helps them understand that what they see is an expected manifestation of the condition that you are already fully aware of. Hopefully, they will no longer point this out as often.
It is important to differentiate rosacea from other conditions. Many people confuse rosacea with acne, sunburn, a skin infection, ageing, intense emotions, and even alcohol abuse. This can lead to unsolicited advice at best and stigmatization at worst. Set the record straight and tell them that you have been medically diagnosed with rosacea.
Discuss triggers.
Avoiding triggers is the part of rosacea management that most interferes with one’s life. Telling your family and friends about them will help them shift the activities you do together to make room for rosacea.
From ensuring that there are non-spicy food options for you at the family potluck to offering you non-alcoholic drinks at parties, from planning indoor activities when the sun is out to buying bath products that are rosacea-friendly, there are a lot of ways your family and friends can support the management of this condition.
Talk about treatment and management.
Explaining your doctor’s orders to your family and friends helps them worry less about you. Once they know you’re in capable hands, they won’t feel the need to give you unsolicited advice about how to deal with rosacea.
Keep a copy of your prescription and other management instructions on the refrigerator or somewhere that can be easily accessed. This serves as a reminder of the things you should and should not to, which can guide household activities and decision-making.
Consider discussing the mental health impact.
You may want to talk to close family and friends about how rosacea makes you feel. Being vulnerable may be difficult, but when you choose those who you know will support you, it can be liberating.
If the impact on your emotional wellbeing is taking much too heavy a toll, consider seeking a therapist. They are better equipped to handle your needs and help you adjust to living with rosacea.
Consider being open on social media.
There are a lot of great infographics about rosacea that you can share on social media. A couple of posts or stories every now and then can go a long way in educating people in your wider network about the condition. This helps lessen the amount of information you need to explain when you see friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
Join a rosacea support group.
Sometimes, it’s more difficult to open up to the people we are close to about the things we are embarrassed about. It may be more natural to discuss your struggle with other people who are on the same boat.
There are many rosacea support groups that you can join. You can ask your dermatologist for recommendations, or else look for one on your own. You can read through the discussions and find tips that will help you manage rosacea and its psychosocial impacts. If you feel like reaching out and sharing your story, at least you’ll have a safe space to do so.
Conclusion
Being open with rosacea is beneficial to both the treatment and your mental health. Getting the important people in your life onboard with management goals can help you improve your condition. Building a strong support group who understands the condition and what you are going through is crucial to improving your quality of life.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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