Rosacea is a lifelong condition that can seriously affect one’s quality of life. The persistently red, itchy, inflamed skin can cause debilitating depression and anxiety, and has been associated with other conditions including heart disease, arthritis, and colitis (Haber and El Gemayel, 2018).
As if this isn’t bad enough, rosacea is notoriously difficult to manage. Patients need to integrate a lot of do’s and don’ts into their skin routine and daily life which can limit their activities. There are so many products and procedures to choose from, but what works for one patient may not work for the next.
Each person’s rosacea journey is unique, but no matter what you do, what products you use, what medical procedures you undergo--know that successful control of rosacea requires consistency and patience. You have to stick to your management plan for a long time before you see results. It’s not easy, but here are some tips to help prepare yourself for the long haul.
Understand your regimen.
If you’ve ever been asked by an authority figure to do something that you find useless, chances are you’re going to do it half-assed. Compliance is made easier if you understand why you’re doing it in the first place.
Apply this concept to the regimen you’re on. When you consult your dermatologist, ask them what the product X does, or how procedure Y helps rosacea, or why you need to avoid activity Z. Read up on each component of your rosacea management plan, and you will get a better appreciation of what it’s supposed to do for you. And hopefully, it will inspire you to stick to the plan.
Knowing more about your regimen also helps set your expectations. You’ll know what to look out for in terms of expected side effects, how long they’re supposed to last, and what results you can look forward to, and how before you’ll be able to see them.
Consider your lifestyle.
Rosacea regimens require consistent, long-term commitment. This will not be sustainable if you have a regimen that does not fit your lifestyle. Consider your daily activities--if you’re always on the go, store products in travel-friendly containers so you can apply anytime. If you can’t bear to go bare-faced when you’re out, look for color-correcting, rosacea-friendly cosmetics. If you’re considering going for laser therapy, set aside money for the minimum number of sessions you’ve been recommended.
During your dermatology consultation, make sure to mention these concerns to your doctor so they can make their prescription appropriate to your budget, work, and routine. It may not always be a perfect fit, but the more lifestyle barriers you remove, the easier it will be for you to comply with their regimen.
Share your management plan to your loved ones.
Reaching a goal is difficult, but it can be made a little less so with the support of the people in your life.
This is especially important for the aspect of rosacea management that involves avoiding triggers. If you share with your family, friends, and coworkers what sets off your flare-ups, they will be more understanding of your need to stay away from them. Extreme temperatures, exercise, spicy food, alcohol, and sun exposure can worsen symptoms--important considerations that your loved ones can factor in planning for get-togethers, travel, and other activities.
Awareness about rosacea can also help others correct misconceptions about the condition. Some may link the redness to alcoholism and poor hygiene. Others may worry it is contagious. You will invariably get unsolicited advice on how to manage your rosacea--sharing with them your management plan and walking them through the science of it (see tip 1!) can help them support you better.
Document progress.
Let’s say you’ve already zeroed in on the perfect routine--one that you researched thoroughly, that has a strong medical basis, that fits your budget and lifestyle. But let’s not count the eggs before they hatch. Very few people will get their rosacea management plan down perfectly the first time--it’s primarily a trial-and-error process.
The best way to know if your regimen works for you is to keep a record of the progress. Taking a picture weekly, under the same spot with the same lighting, can help you keep track of any improvements or side effects. Writing it down, or else asking other people if they’ve noticed a difference, can also be helpful.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
References:
Haber, R., & El Gemayel, M. (2018). Comorbidities in rosacea: A systematic review and update. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 78(4), 786–792.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.09.016
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea
https://s3.amazonaws.com/HMP/hmp_ln/imported/transfer/Galderma_Rosacea_MayInsert_lr.pdf
