What is couperose?
Cuperosis is a persistent dilation of the small capillaries in the skin, characterised by small stars or networks of capillaries, usually in the cheeks and nose. Capillaries are invisible blood vessels, but in the case of couperose, the blood circulation is affected, causing the capillaries to enlarge several times and thus become visible under the skin. This happens when the skin reacts to heat, cold, emotions and various stimulants (alcohol, coffee, etc.) by dilating the blood vessels in the face. Cuperosis is a problem of sensitive facial skin. This visible skin disease is more common in women aged between 30 and 50 years who have sensitive, white or clammy skin that tends to turn red easily. The essential feature of couperose is telangiectasias in the form of purple or reddish lines, which usually appear around the cheekbones and sides of the nose.
The onset of couperose is characterised by episodic flushing of the skin and a feeling of tightness. Over time, however, a burning sensation, severe and sudden flushing of the skin, and the appearance of dilated vascular networks begin to appear. If not treated in time, inflammatory pimples, papules, pustules, thickening and swelling of the skin occur in areas affected by couperose. In rare cases, couperose can affect the eyes.
Symptoms of couperose:
- Facial flushing;
- Visible blood vessels and their reticulations;
- Burning, stinging, tingling sensation on the skin;
- Formation of inflammatory pimples, abscesses;
- Skin nodules, papules;
- Skin thickening, swelling;
- Dry, irritated, swollen eyes.
Stages of couperose
- Stage 1 – reddened skin, sometimes conjunctivitis may occur;
- Stage 2 – persistently flushed skin, dilated cheeks and nasal vascular networks;
- Stage 3 – inflammatory pimples and abscesses form;
- Stage 4 – skin becomes thicker, swollen, with very pronounced facial flushing and vascular reticulation.
Causes of couperose
The causes of this skin disease are not fully understood. However, doctors point out that there are certain risk factors that contribute to the appearance of couperose:
- Fun, dry, thin and clammy skin. However, isolated dilated blood vessels can also appear on thick and oily facial skin, especially on the nose.
- Gender. In women, couperose is much more common than in men.
- Heredity. If one of the parents has couperose, the chances of the child developing it are quite high.
- Ultraviolet rays. Sunbathing and visits to solariums damage the walls of blood vessels.
- Variations in temperature. Extremely low or high temperatures have a negative effect on body tissues. A single mild frostbite can also contribute to the onset of couperose.
- Spicy, hot food, chocolate and coffee can also contribute to the development of the disease.
- Alcohol, smoking. These harmful habits adversely affect the entire cardiovascular system, damaging even very small capillaries in the face.
- Stress. Strong emotions cause an increase in blood pressure, which can damage the capillary walls.
- Liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders. Kuperosis can be one of the external manifestations of internal diseases.
- Improper skin care. Unprofessional cosmetic procedures and the use of certain products can cause the skin to flatten and lose water, thus damaging the vascular network and making it more susceptible to other factors. Special products should be used that do not damage the protective layer of the epidermis and are free of alcohol and abrasive substances.
- Use of vasodilating drugs, high blood pressure.
- Vitamin A deficiency.
Treatment of couperose
The treatment of couperose should start with determining the stage of couperose. It is also necessary to find out what caused the disease before starting treatment. If the telangiectasias are caused by a disease of the internal organs, this disease must be treated. Treatment of the skin will eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but will not prevent new ones from appearing. The best results are achieved with a comprehensive treatment, as properly applied treatment methods complement each other perfectly. In addition, the earlier the treatment of couperose is started, the better the results.
Treatment of facial couperose is a complex process and it is not recommended to do it at home. A dermatologist can best advise you on how to effectively eradicate couperose.
- Laser therapy is the most popular and widely used method due to its fast and obvious effects and short rehabilitation period. During the procedure, laser beams are directed at the affected blood vessels, causing inflammation in the blood vessel walls, which causes the blood vessels to swell and gradually close and disappear. Laser treatment of couperose eliminates the network of capillaries in the face and reduces skin redness.
- Facial capillary removal treatments are recommended in autumn or winter. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for 4 weeks before and after the procedure and to use a special protective cream.
Other treatment methods:
- Mesotherapy – micro-injections of drugs that strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This procedure can be used to prevent and treat couperose.
- Photodynamic therapy is a procedure in which the affected area of the skin is exposed to light and oxygen at specific wavelengths.
- Medication therapy – special creams and pills are also often used to treat more severe forms.
In the case of couperose, it is recommended to:
- Special diet. Limit spicy, hot foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol.
- Special skin care. For daily skin care, it is important to use special products that do not destroy the protective layer of the epidermis. Do not use rough towels.
- Always use protective creams. In summer and spring – from ultraviolet rays, in autumn and winter – from cold and wind.
- Vitamin C and rutin therapy. This includes the use of food supplements and special cosmetics. These are very effective tools that improve skin regeneration and protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. Vitamin C and rutin strengthen the capillaries of the skin and help to fight skin redness.
- Avoid sauna, hot and cold compresses, contrast baths.
- Avoid skin care products containing alcohol, fruit acids, menthol, eucalyptus essential oil.
