It’s estimated that more than 14 million Americans are living with rosacea. The numbers are less clear when it comes to an ethnic breakdown. While it was often assumed that rosacea affects light-skinned people more than anyone else, it’s become apparent that it's not that simple. Studies show that Black Americans develop rosacea more often than previously thought but are regularly misdiagnosed. One of the common reasons for a misdiagnosis is how different the condition can look on Black skin.
10 Signs Of Rosacea In Black People
1. Constantly Warm Skin
One of the first symptoms of rosacea is unexplained warmth in the skin. At first, it might feel like you’re blushing but over time the sensation lasts longer and worsens. If left untreated, it can grow into a burning feeling that never goes away.
2. Acne That Won’t Go Away
Sometimes, rosacea presents with swollen bumps that can resemble acne. If using acne treatment products doesn’t make a difference, it’s probably rosacea.
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3. Dry, Swollen Skin
Rosacea can cause varying levels of inflammation that may result in patches of dry, swollen skin. Sometimes, the areas will also be warm to the touch.
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4. Purple Or Dark Skin Patches
The redness that light-skinned persons notice with rosacea comes from broken blood vessels under the skin. With Black people, however, this will look purple or dark brown.
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5. Yellow-brown Bumps
These types of bumps are usually hard to the touch and itchy. They might not respond to over-the-counter acne medication but can disappear on their own. However, they may return when you’re having a flare-up.
6. Burning Reaction To Skincare Products
If you suddenly start having a reaction to skincare products that you’ve always used or those that are meant for sensitive skin, it could be a sign of rosacea.
7. Thickening Skin
While rosacea can compromise the skin’s barrier and make it thinner, some areas can thicken instead.
8. Bloodshot Eyes
Sometimes, rosacea can affect your eyes. The problem can develop gradually, starting with your eyes looking bloodshot. You may also become sensitive to light.
9. Itchy Eyes
If you have constantly itchy eyes that can’t be explained by allergies, you could be dealing with rosacea.
10. Crusty Eyelids
Another way that rosacea can affect your eyes is by promoting the release of fluid. This fluid then accumulates on your eyelids, giving it a crusty appearance.
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Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult
According to doctors, two main factors can make rosacea difficult to diagnose in Black people. The first is that little is known about how the skin condition presents in Black Americans. This lack of information means that many dermatologists and other experts in the skincare field only know how rosacea presents in lighter-skinned ethnicities.
The second factor is how symptoms can vary on dark skin. While rosacea is characterized by redness along the nose and cheeks, it’s not the same for Black people. The blood vessels are still broken but the presence of melanin can turn the affected areas violet, purple, or dark brown. If the skin is also inflamed or you have bumps, your doctor might diagnose you with acne or an allergy instead.
Fortunately, as more doctors learn what symptoms to look for, you’re more likely to be diagnosed correctly.
How To Care For Your Irritated Skin
There’s no cure for rosacea but you can manage it with the right regimen. Skincare products that contain ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides can help to replenish your skin. They also encourage healing. There can be flare-ups with rosacea so it’s essential to identify your triggers. These triggers can vary from one person to another but some of the common ones include citrus, stress, sun exposure, cold weather, harsh skin products, dairy, and alcohol. It’s a good idea to note anything that bothers you so you can tell your doctor. Finally, prescription medications can help to manage your symptoms well so it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor about a diagnosis.
The symptoms of rosacea can worsen over time so a timely diagnosis is critical. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, you should talk to your doctor.
