Rosacea is facial skin condition which can cause redness, swelling, a form of acne and broken capillaries (teleangectasia). In more severe cases, it causes excessive connective tissue over-growth resulting in bulbous nose (rhinophyma)—such as that which afflicted W.C. Fields. This overgrowth can also appear on the cheeks (zygophyma) or the forehead (frontophyma). Occasionally, it can affect the eyes (ocular rosacea).

Who is most prone to get rosacea?
The profile of those who suffer from rosacea are adults, usually over thirty years of age, with fair skin from Scandinavian or Celtic descent with a tendency to flush or blush easily. Not all that rare, rosacea affects 5% of Americans, more women than men. Also, women in their 20’s to early 30’s are most at risk. Classic rosacea generally begins in the 30’s and progresses to persistent redness and swelling by age 40-50.

What Symptoms of rosacea are most often seen in women?
Flushing and blushing are the most common early indications of rosacea in women, especially across the center of the face (cheeks and nose). This may become persistent with the passage of time. Rosacea may have a hormonal basis. Estrogen may cause the vessels to dilate and swell, increasing the appearance of flushing. At the same time, an increase in testosterone may increase the activity of the oil-producing glands on the face.

What causes it?
Although we aren’t sure of the exact cause, it is a condition that involves both the blood vessels and the skin. The blood vessels dilate very easily in those with rosacea, resulting in a flushing response to triggering factors. After years of this dilation process, one theory holds that the vessels no longer constrict and stay dilated permanently. The skin may also contain certain bacteria and harbor a demodex mite in excessive quantities which contribute to the condition. Although people with normal skin have demodex mites also, people with rosacea have five times more.

What are some of the possible triggers?
Some common foods may be triggers such as cheese, spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, vanilla and chocolate. Temperature extremes such as sunlight or cold outdoor winds may also be contributors. Emotional stress, menopausal symptoms, exertion and exercise, certain drugs and some cosmetics are possible factors. In fact, alcohol-based toners and perfumes can trigger rosacea and irritate the skin.

How can an outbreak be prevented?
Avoid any of the triggers mentions above. Use a broad-sprectrum sunscreen daily, avoid stress, perfumes and sensitizing cosmetics. Protect skin from biting cold winds and pay attention to contributing dietary factors. Avoid mid-day sun, use broad spectrum sunscreens SPF 30 or greater and wear a hat. Do not rub, scrub or massage the face as it may tend to irritate the reddened skin. Try to keep a diary of flushing episodes and the possible triggers.

Is there any treatment for rosacea?
When an outbreak occurs, a physician can presribe some medications which help to alleviate and control the flare-up. These may include a topical preparation called metronidazole (MetroCream, MetroGel , MetroLotion or Noritate) Sometimes oral antibiotics can be prescribed (Minocycline or Doxycycline). These may be used in combination with the metronidazole if the patient doesn’t respond to the topical therapy alone. Steroid creams, although they may lessen redness, are generally not a good choice for the treatment of rosacea as they can contribute to dilation of the blood vessels, thinning of the skin and other extreme undesirable effects. The newest technological treatment is an Intense Pulsed Light Source treatment called the FotoFacial. This rosacea laser treatment uses a strong light energy to close off offending blood vessels which appear on the surface of the skin, thus reducing the flushing effect.

What skincare products are available for rosacea-prone skin?
Since this type of skin can be extremely sensitive, products with a minimal amount of preservatives and potential allergens are best. Not all products will work the same for everyone, but some of those which have worked best for our rosacea patients are: Ultra-Gentle Cleansing Gel (for Oily/Acne prone skin types); Ultra-Gentle Cleansing Lotion (for Normal/Dry skin types..also doubles as a great makeup remover). These cleansing agents contain calming botanical agents and no phosphates for potential irritation. Bio-Lipid Repair Fluid helps to protect the skin barrier which may be impaired on those with rosacea. Glycolic acids are too harsh on rosacea sufferers, however, Topix Replenix Cream with Green Tea offers a gentle exfoliation process without these acids. A thin layer may be applied and then gently “rolled off” with the fingertips, removing the dead skin and resulting in a renewed, soft appearance. Finally, for a non-chemical sunscreen, Ultra-Sensitive Moisturizer with SPF 34 provides a 2-in-1 solution for a sunscreen/moisturizer combination. Studies on this product have shown a reduction in fine lines as well as calming capabilites from the glucosamines, sea algae and green tea antioxidants.

Where can I get more information about rosacea?
The following links will give you excellent information about rosacea. Also, a new book, Rosacea: A Self-Help Guide, by Dr. Arlen Brownstein is an excellent resource. Dr Brownstein has an excellent website and bulletin board for the exchange of information from those seeking information about rosacea. You can access her site (and order her book by going to www.rosaceaworld.com)

Other related sites include:
www.rosacea.org
www.aad.org

Looking for a specific tip? Skintique’s own skin care expert, Pamela Farrell, is here to answer all your questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read about rosacea. Your visit to our site is appreciated. We hope you have found this information informative and helpful. Please refer our site. www.skintique.com to those who you think might find it interesting.

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