Related articles: Couperose
Definition
Couperose is the appearance of a network of reddish veins, evident above all on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness of the face is the result of a vasodilation: in practice, the capillaries close to the surface of the skin, due to the high temperature, dilate in an attempt to resolve the heat that is concentrated in the body. The causes of the onset are complex: couperose mainly affects those suffering from capillary fragility and presents a sensitive, easily irritated skin. To these, however, are added external, environmental and lifestyle-related factors; for example, couperose appears to be linked to the use of contraceptives, smoking, exposure to the sun, excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee. Although it is initially an aesthetic problem, it should not be underestimated: in some cases, in fact, couperose can develop into rosacea (chronic inflammatory disease).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Redness of the face
- Telangiectasia
- Hot flashes
Further indications
The most common symptom of couperose is the redness of the face. Initially, it manifests itself with a marked but temporary redness: the superficial blood vessels, after being dilated, recover their normal caliber and the color returns to normal. For example, it becomes evident when the person drinks a hot drink or passes from a cold environment to a heated room. Over time, however, the veins form an increasingly evident lattice and the reddening of the face becomes persistent (teleangectasis).
To combat couperose it is necessary to apply specific creams, with formulations suitable for a sensitive skin (useful remedy especially if it has not yet appeared or is at an early stage). Furthermore, it is important to protect the skin from the sun with a sunscreen, which can also be applied in the city. In cases of couperose at a more advanced stage, it is possible to resort to laser or diathermocoagulation; such interventions coagulate the dilated blood vessels on the surface of the face, so as to make them invisible.
