Read more about ROSACEA
For most people, a flushed face is a standard reaction to emotions ranging from excitement to embarrassment to anger. Yet for many, facial redness is a manifestation of rosacea: an often unrecognized and misunderstood skin disorder.Rosacea (pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha”) is a chronic and often progressive skin disease that causes redness and swelling of the face.
It may begin as a rise in skin sensitivity with a tendency to blush easily, then progress to persistent redness in the centre of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Rosacea is classified in four different types from mild to severe and all forms may be accompanied by enlarged sweat glands, oiliness and/or dry and flaky skin.
Type 1: Flushing and persistent redness; may also include visible blood vessels
This rosacea-type is usually the least severe. Like the other types, it may be accompanied by enlarged sweat glands, oiliness and/or dry and flaky skin. The skin may become sensitive with a burning and stinging effect when it comes into contact with make-up, sunscreens and other facial creams or by exposure to sun and/or hot and spicy food or drink (anything that reddens the face).
Type 2: Persistent redness with transient bumps and pimples
Type 3: Skin thickening, often resulting in an enlargement of the nose. An advanced and uncommon form of rosacea called “rhinophyma”.
Type 4: Eye irritation – reddening of the eyes, a feeling of “grit” in the eyes and crusting of the lashes. This condition can be mistaken for allergies.
When it first develops, rosacea may come and go on its own. When the skin doesn’t return to its normal colour and when further symptoms, such as pimples and enlarged blood vessels, become visible, specialist treatment should be sought. The condition rarely reverses itself and may last for years. Rosacea can become worse without treatment so early diagnosis and treatment is recommended.
Whom does rosacea affect?
Most people affected by the condition are fair-skinned between the ages of 30 and 60; however, anyone of any race can develop rosacea. Rosacea often runs in families and while women are more often affected, the most severe cases are usually men. One of the earliest signs of rosacea is an increased sensitivity to the climate and skin care products
What are the available treatments?
The range of available treatments is as diverse as the rosacea symptoms themselves; the type of treatment depends upon the type of rosacea.
Lifestyle modification
Each individual rosacea sufferer will have dietary triggers that need to be avoided.The usual culprits are spicy foods, bananas, cheeses, yoghurts, figs, nuts, hot drinks and alcohol. As rosacea is provoked by excessive exposure to the sun – use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen and avoid extreme temperatures.
Topical treatments
The use of a gentle skin care range that is free from additives and preservatives is essential. Avoid any skincare products with astringents, toners, menthols, camphor and sodium lauryl sulphate. Topical forms of Vitamin C and A are gradually introduced to assist in the formation of healthy blood vessels.
Topical antibiotic cream and azelaic acid may also be usedeffectively.
Reduce the appearance of redness in the skin with the application of green tinted concealer and good quality mineral make-up.
Topical steroids must not be used to treat rosacea.
Other treatments may include the use of oral antibiotics, beta blockers to reduce flushing, oral contraceptives and laser treatment.
Lisa Price
http://www.jadecosmeticclinic.com.au