Jamie Otis shares 'unfiltered' photo of her rosacea: 'You're not the only one'
Jamie Otis is reminding fans that looks don't define beauty.
Over the weekend, the 36-year-old "Married at First Sight" star took to Instagram to open up about her recent run in with rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
In the five-second clip, the mother-of-two filmed herself showing off her symptoms, which include red and rashy skin.
"Look at my skin, I gotta figure out how to heal this skin," wrote the on-screen text.
In the caption, the "Bachelor" alum revealed that although she is "embarrassed" about her looks, she decided to post her flare-up on social media to let people know that her skin condition is normal and common.
"I almost didn't share this because look at my face. But don't we all have something we are kinda embarrassed of? I feel like maybe if we shared it we wouldn't feel so awful about it because we'd know we aren't going through it alone," she penned to her 854,000 followers. "So here I am completely unfiltered."
Later in the caption, Otis explained that although beauty "has nothing to do" with skin, she acknowledged she's trying to help others feel less alone.
"Anyone else deal with terrible rosacea flare-ups?...I know it's only skin (although it is quite painful and uncomfortable!) and our beauty truly has nothing to do with how smooth our skin is! But, it does feel good to know you're not the only one waking up with a face as red as a tomato with small pustules all over it," the reality star wrote.
Otis concluded her post by saying she is working on managing her rosacea, and will "share" her findings when she's ready.
"I'm gonna figure out how to manage this rosacea better and when I do, I'll share with you! And if you already know — don't leave your girl hanging!" she said. "Us millennials gotta stick together and help each other out in our old age!"
In the comments, fans opened up about their experience with skin conditions.
"I have eczema flare ups around my eyes and it’s terrible! I hear you! Sometimes it is stress and what we eat! I feel your pain! Thanks for sharing!" wrote a fan.
"Yup I have rosacea too and it's the worst. I always thought I looked ugly and hid my face, but seeing you post this loud and clear makes me feel better and less alone, so thank you! Beautiful inside and out!" shared someone else.
"I hope it’s not my cooking," joked her husband Doug Hehner.
What is rosacea?
According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than three million Canadians.
Although rosacea presents differently for everyone, the first signs can include intermittent blushing or redness on the face — specifically the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.
Experts are unclear about specific causes of rosacea, but they believe it could be due to both environmental and genetic factors.
Although there is no known cure, the condition can be managed with appropriate treatment (topical creams, antibiotics) and lifestyle changes (proper sleep, hydration and nutrition).
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
As per the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, the most common symptoms of rosacea include:
Frequent flushing or blushing on cheeks, nose, chin, forehead
Persistent redness
Red lines, due to enlarged blood vessels becoming visible
Dry skin
Durning, stinging or itching
Pimple-like bumps without blackheads or whiteheads
Rosacea symptoms can vary from person to person, and its severity can be unpredictable.
Sometimes, rosacea can also present as thickened, swollen and bumpy skin on the nose. If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, make an appointment to visit a health specialist as soon as you can.
Who is at risk of rosacea?
Rosacea usually develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
The condition can affect both men and women, but seems to affect more women.
Rosacea tends to target individuals with fair skin, such as those of northern and eastern European descent (e.g. Irish, English or Scottish). However, rosacea can affect any skin type.
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