Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterised by the flushing of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Groups of capillaries close to the surface of the skin become inflamed and as a consequence become dilated resulting in blotchy red areas with small bumps and sometimes pimples. Other areas which may be affected include the neck, chest, scalp and ears. The eyes may feel irritated and appear watery and blood shot.

The condition may come and go although it has the potential to become permanent if not attended to in the early stages. Early diagnosis is the key to successful management. Diagnosis is made clinically and symptoms develop gradually in stages.

Stage 1: frequent flushing, and the development of sensitive skin; products may cause burning, stinging and redness

Stage 2: flushing is more constant and blood vessels are visible on the cheeks.

Stage 3: deeper more permanent flushing, increased visible blood vessels, acne begins, swollen cheeks, possible irritated eyes.

Stage 4: all of the above worsening.

Inflammation of the eyes

Thickening of the skin around the nose.

What has happened? The blood vessels close to the skin’s surface are inflamed causing the redness.

The deeper layers of the skin are thinning causing blood vessels to be visable.

Increased blood flow to the area causes oedema (swelling).

These combined cause the breakouts and acne, which can become quite severe and painful.

The underlying causes are not well understood and Rosacea can vary greatly from one person to another.

Rosacea usually begins over the age of thirty and affects females more than males. People of English or Irish ancestry are often more prone to developing Rosacea. Even if you don’t have such genes it still has the potential to surface. If men do get it, it is usually more severe and they can also get Rhinophyma. This occurs when the oil glands and blood vessels on the nose enlarge so much that it becomes very bulbous in appearance like the W.C. Fields we all remember.

Rosacea flareups can be set off by a number of factors and the secret is to find what triggers yours.

Avoid: Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine & hot drinks which all dilate blood vessels

Extremes in temperature; inside and out.

Irritating skin care products including those which involve scrubbing and massaging the face.

Stress & exercise; so take care exercising in a warm/hot room to reduce stress!!!

Treatment:

Avoid your triggers,

Use non-irritating skin care products; ours are perfect!

Use a cleanser which restores epidermal health, Antioxidants to combat free radicals (inflammation), and a chemical free sun block – everyday.

Topical Vitamin A: in a form which is irritant free and able to penetrate to the deeper layers.

Treats the vascular component by thickening the dermis (less visible blood vessels)

Stimulates the production of new healthy and stronger dermal blood vessels (decreased inflammation).

Reduces excess oil production (less pimples)

Antibiotics may be required: long term and low dose.

Early diagnosis, and beginning of a simple daily skin care routine is the most effective treatment.