Understanding Rocacea
Rosacea Facts and Questions
Q: What is Rosacea?
A: Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. In its beginning stages this common skin disease, which causes subtle redness in the center of the face, may come and go on its own. But, left untreated, Rosacea may develop into inflammation, accompanied by skin eruptions, and may gradually become chronic and even permanent. About half of Rosacea sufferers also complain of symptoms with their eyes, also known as Ocular Rosacea. If you eye symptoms, see an eye doctor.
Q: Who Does Rosacea Affect?
A: Rosacea is a chronic disease which afflicts over 16 million North Americans. Rosacea is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 65 but rosacea has been known to afflict even children. The people who are the most prone to acquiring Rosacea are fair skinned adults and especially women.
Q: What Causes Rosacea?
A: Rosacea is primarily a disorder of the facial blood vessels. It is caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out with blotchy red areas called papules. These papules have three classifications; minor, moderate and severe. A minor Rosacea papule is the size of a small measles lesion. A moderate Rosacea papule is the size of a pencil eraser. A severe papule is the size of a coin and also contains pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps). As with many conditions, there appears to be a genetic propensity to developing Rosacea.
Q: How is Rosacea Different from Acne Vulgaris?
A: Rosacea is a neurovascular disorder that affects the flushing zone. Yet it is common with Rosacea to present itself with blackheads and whiteheads that are mot commonly seen with Acne Vulgaris. But, it’s not acne.
Daily Tips That All Rosacea Sufferers Should Be Practicing:
- Wash with water that is lukewarm, not hot.
- Use gentle (nonabrasive) cleansers applied with the fingers, not a cloth.
- Blot dry, but do not rub, with a cotton towel
- Avoid drying or irritating the skin
- If you wear makeup, choose only oil-free and/or non-comedogenic products. Always apply light layers of makeup because many foundations and concealers that act almost as a “mask” trap in bacteria and oil inside the pores. — Go without makeup on days that you can!
- When you have a flare-up, treat it sooner than later to prevent long-term damage.
- Apply at least an SPF 8 sunscreen everyday to prevent UV induced symptoms. The sun is often the #1 reason for flare-ups.
- Monitor your diet daily. By avoiding alcohol, hot beverages and/or spicy foods you can greatly reduce the number and severity of rosacea flare-ups
Treatment
- See a Dermatologist!
- Eat diet rich in vitamins and minerals
- Stop alcohol or smoking
- Antibiotics such as Tetracycline may work
- Low dose Vitamin A-relatives called retinoids
- Topical steroids and antifungals (for fungus infections) sometimes work.
- Laser therapy may be an option for you. Ask your dermatologist.