Couperose skin is a condition caused by weakened blood vessels in the face, usually on the cheeks and nose. We have all experienced a flushed face at some point in our lives. When our skin experiences unpleasant sensations and is accompanied by redness, we might become prone to a skin condition known as couperose-skin.
WHAT IS COUPEROSE SKIN?
Couperose-skin is also known as Couperosa, it is a common mild condition in hypersensitive skin which is characterized by skin redness, dryness, and sensitivity. It is commonly spotted on the cheek and nose.
The redness of the skin is due to weakened skin elasticity, which causes dilation of the blood vessels. Because of this, the skin expands when there is a rush of blood to the skin, but does not contract after that, unlike it is with normal skin.
Don’t mistake Couperose skin with the everyday blush in. Couperose skin can come and go at its early stage, but sometimes, it can spread into a vascular network structure, and skin redness becomes more visible.
CAUSES OF COUPEROSE SKIN
The causes of Couperose-skin can be categorized into: Intrinsic causes and extrinsic causes
INTRINSIC CAUSES OF COUPEROSE SKIN
Intrinsic causes of Couperose skin include;
(a) Aging: As we age, our bodies weaken, causing our blood capillaries to become weak and less elastic, so when it dilates, it doesn’t easily contract.
(b) Genetics: If the skin condition runs in the family, the chances of having Couperose skin increase.
(c) Diet: What you eat can play a role in the weakening of your capillaries. A lot of hot spicy foods with alcohol can contribute to the redness of your face. Change in hormones and nervous disorder could cause a rise in blood pressure, causing redness on your face.
Also, frequent blushing has been said to also contribute to your having Couperose skin because it places more pressure on already weakened capillaries.
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EXTRINSIC CAUSES
Extrinsic causes of Couperose skin include:
(1) Exposure to harsh temperature
(2) Use of physical and chemical products that can irritate your skin, which might eventually lead to capillary weakness.
(3) Failure to protect your skin from UV rays. UV rays are so destructive they can break down the cellular structure of your capillaries.
SEVERITY OF COUPEROSE SKIN
Couperose-skin can progress as time goes by if it is not treated. It helps to know how severe your condition is, for treatment to occur.
There are 3 specific conditions of Couperose skin. These comprises of :
(1) TELANGIECTASIA
Telangiectasia is a skin condition in which tiny blood vessels cause threadlike red lines or patterns, like a spider web to appear on the skin of your face. It is characterized by pain, itching, and the spider web pattern on the face.
(2) HYPEREMIA/ ERYTHROSIS
In this condition, the individual may feel stinging, burning, swelling, and rough sensations. However, skin redness is not yet very visible.
(3)ROSACEA
This is an even more extreme skin condition that is characterized by hyperemia with acne-like papule and pustule formations. It often appears or feels scaly and rough. It can cause heat and dehydration.
SYMPTOMS OF COUPEROSE SKIN
The general symptom of Couperose skin is skin redness on the face which can appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and part of the chin.
The skin redness may appear like spots or tiny lines on the face. Along with skin redness, you may experience skin tightness or dryness also.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROSACEA AND COUPEROSE SKIN
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by a stinging and burning sensation on the skin. Couperose and rosacea are completely two different skin conditions that have been mistaken with each other.
Couperose is a condition where the skin appears ref due to dilated red blood vessels on the face, that do not constrict. While Rosacea causes stinging, red, and dry eyes, Couperose does not cause any of those symptoms. Rosacea can be treated only with medication, while Couperose can be treated with IPL laser light therapy.
TREATMENT OF COUPEROSE SKIN
It does not matter how uncomfortable Couperose skin makes you feel, it can be treated.
The focus of treating couperose skin is to soothe, strengthen the capillaries, hydrate, and protect the skin.
The best treatment that has proven to be very effective over the years for couperose skin is Intense pulsed of light.
A unique type of gel will be applied over the area to be treated, and the IPL machine is rolled over the treatment area. The laser light from the machine passes through your skin without damaging it. Rather, the effect of the laser heat reaches the veins to be treated, causing blood to clot and close, gradually eliminating the dilated blood vessels.
PREVENTION COUPEROSE SKIN
You can examine yourself to know if there are factors that encourage the symptoms of Couperose skin and try as much as possible to avoid them. Here are a few guidelines that will help you avoid the chances of having Couperose-skin:
– Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight and use high SPF sunscreen.
– Limit your intake of hot, spicy foods and alcohol.
– Let your doctors know of any allergies you may have towards any medication, so your doctor doesn’t prescribe them to you.