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CheckoutWhat is Rosacea?
The inflammatory long-term disorder known as Rosacea is nothing new. But what is new is the alarming rise in this progressive neurovascular disorder which generally affects the facial skin and sometimes the eyes. Currently there is no cure. However with information and diligence, Rosacea now may be effectively managed and contained to prevent irreversible damage.
The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, although there seems to be an inherited component to it. It can be described as a vascular and inflammatory disorder affecting the tiny blood vessels and connective tissue. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, those with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk and it is most common in individuals between the ages of 30- 50. Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another, and in most cases some rather than all of the potential signs and symptoms appear. Rosacea always includes at least one of the following primary signs:
Flushing - Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may come and go, and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.
Persistent Redness - Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
Bumps and Pimples - Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.
Visible Blood Vessels - In many people with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.
What should you do?
The first step in living with Rosacea is getting an accurate diagnosis. The earlier the intervention, the easier it will be to manage this difficult and increasingly common disorder.
A dermatologist can prescribe topical and oral antibiotics (oral tends to work faster), such as Tetracycline or Zithromax (azithromycin) to decrease pimples and nodules. Your doctor can prescribe anti-hypertensives to reduce flushing, which will not only minimise the redness associated with Rosacea but more importantly reduce the damaging dilation action of the blood vessels.
In terms of day to day management, it's wise, when dealing with Rosacea, to try to actually reduce the number of products used, as well as the quantity of product used, so that a minimal number of ingredients actually are in contact with the traumatised skin. A good moisturiser, especially during harsh weather and when travelling by air, along with a good sun protection product are essential. Beyond these, regular visits to a skin care professional for treatment and professional product recommendation are the wisest course of action. And of course, the classic irritants such as lanolin, S.D. alcohol, artificial fragrance, artificial colour, mineral oil and glycerine should be avoided.
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