Couperosa and Rosacea - Redness and Sensitivity on the Skin

Couperosa and its more severe form, rosacea, are skin conditions that appear as facial redness, dilated blood vessels, and skin irritation.

Couperosa skin, commonly found on the cheeks, nose, and chin, is typically sensitive and reactive. Rosacea, a more extensive and inflammatory form of couperosa, causes itching, dryness, and irritation. Symptoms can range from mild redness to papulopustular rosacea, where painful pustules form on the skin.

Redness, itching, and dryness are common symptoms that can cause discomfort and often require special care. Both couperosa and rosacea are chronic conditions, but their symptoms can be managed and alleviated with the right treatments and products.

Causes of Couperosa and Rosacea

Couperosa skin and rosacea are usually caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. In couperosa, the superficial blood vessels in the face dilate and lose their elasticity, making them visible on the skin's surface. Possible causes include sun's UV radiation, fluctuating temperatures, dry climate, and strong winds, all of which irritate sensitive couperosa skin.

Symptoms and Stages of Couperosa and Rosacea

Couperosa can manifest in different forms and stages, ranging from mild redness to more noticeable symptoms. Mild couperosa skin may appear as simple sensitivity and occasional redness, while in more severe cases, blood vessels are clearly visible and the skin feels constantly irritated.

Rosacea, a more severe form of couperosa, typically progresses through four stages:

• Erythematotelangiectatic – This stage begins with intermittent facial redness and mild swelling. Facial skin is easily irritated, and blood vessels may become visible, especially on the cheeks. Itching and dry skin can be persistent issues during this stage.
• Papulopustular – In this stage, pustules begin to appear on the skin, and inflammation spreads across the facial area, particularly on the cheeks and nose. This stage can be painful and cause itching due to the inflamed skin. The skin may feel swollen and show intense redness.
• Rhinophyma – As rosacea progresses, the skin thickens, especially around the nose, and the blood vessels dilate further. This stage is more common in men and can lead to permanent skin issues, such as nasal swelling and enlarged blood vessels.
• Ocular – Rosacea can also affect the eyes, causing itching, dryness, and irritation. The eyelids may feel sensitive and the eyes become red. This stage can be particularly uncomfortable and often requires medical treatments.

Symptoms of rosacea can vary from person to person and may worsen or improve over time. Couperosa can remain mild for years, but without treatment, it can progress to more severe forms of rosacea.

Treatments for Couperosa and Rosacea

Treating couperosa and rosacea requires soothing products and methods suitable for sensitive skin. Since couperosa-prone skin reacts easily to strong ingredients, it is recommended to avoid products containing alcohol and fragrances. Here are some effective treatments:

• EXION Fractional: This treatment combines monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and artificial intelligence with microneedling to deliver energy precisely to the deeper layers of couperosa and rosacea-prone skin. When done regularly, the treatment can help soothe redness and improve skin texture.
• PRP Plasma Therapy: PRP plasma therapy uses the patient's own blood plasma to accelerate skin regeneration and reduce redness. Since PRP does not irritate sensitive couperosa skin, it is a good choice for reducing redness and calming the skin.
• Couperosa Laser Treatments: Couperosa laser treatments use light to reduce visible blood vessels and facial redness. Laser treatment can effectively reduce couperosa symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin, making it particularly suitable for treating dilated blood vessels on the cheeks and nose.

Treating couperosa and rosacea requires long-term commitment and regular skincare. Avoiding irritation, maintaining hydration, and reducing redness help prevent the worsening of couperosa and rosacea, keeping the skin more even and calm.