Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, acne-like pimples, visible small blood vessels on the face, swelling and/or watery, irritated eyes. This inflammation of the face can affect the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. More than 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea. It is not contagious, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is inherited. There is no known cause or cure for rosacea. There is also no link between rosacea and cancer.

Rosacea generally begins after age 30 and goes through cycles of flare-ups and remissions. Over time, it gets ruddier in color and small blood vessels (like spider veins) may appear on the face. If left untreated, bumps and pimples may form, the end of the nose may become swollen, red and bulbous and eyes may water or become irritated.

Rosacea occurs most often among people with fair skin who tend to blush or flush easily. It occurs more often among women than men, but men tend to suffer from more severe symptoms. Most patients experience multiple symptoms at varying levels of severity. Common symptoms include:

  • flushing
  • persistently red skin on the face
  • bumps or acne-like pimples
  • visible blood vessels on facial skin
  • watery or irritated eyes
  • burning, itching or stinging of facial skin
  • skin roughness and dryness
  • raised red patches
  • swelling (edema)

These symptoms may also appear on the neck, chest, scalp and ears.

Research conducted by the National Rosacea Foundation found that the leading triggers for rosacea are:

  • sun exposure
  • hot or cold weather
  • emotional stress
  • wind
  • alcohol
  • heavy exercise
  • spicy foods,hard cheeses
  • hot baths
  • heated beverages
  • some skin care products
  • humidity
  • indoor heat
  • constipation, including gut bacterial overgrowth and poor digestion
  • excessive carbohydrates
  • overgrowth of demodex mites
  • to[pical or systemic steroids
  • prescription meds that vasodilate the skin

While there is no cure for rosacea and each case is unique, start by cutting down or eliminating the triggers.I will prescribe a strong probiotic and digestive enzymes and insure that constipation is eliminated and the gut flora is healthy..Metrogel has been the standard topical treatment with some benefit.My favorite topical is an over the counter topical that includes elemental sulphur and a betonite clay.Sometimes I may have to resort to a brief course of an antibiotic to quiet the condition, especially if a topical steroid has been wrongly prescribed. I will often substitute anti inflammatory neutrceuticals to quiet the condition

To help reduce the incidence of flare-ups, a gentle daily skin care routine is ecommended that includes the use of mild, non-abrasive cleansers, soft cloths, rinsing in lukewarm water (not hot or cold), and blotting the face dry (not rubbing). Additionally, individuals with rosacea need to protect themselves from sun exposure .