Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often and mistakenly referred to as adult acne, rosacea begins with a tendency to blush or flush easily and can progress to more persistent redness in the centre of the face, gradually involving the cheeks, forehead and chin.
As the disease progresses further, small capillaries and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area. Skin often becomes more sensitive, reacting to both internal and external stimuli. For example, a change in temperature, stress or certain dietary choices, like red wine or spicy foods, can cause increased redness and sensitivity.
Left untreated, rosacea can worsen, leaving some patients with constant inflammation, sensitivity and often watery, red pustules, similar to acne pustules, resulting in it often being referred to as Acne Rosacea. Rosacea skin can be either oily or dry, with areas of flakiness. It is also common for patients to get irritation around the eye area causing inflammation, grittiness and discomfort.
Although there is currently no cure for rosacea, correct treatment and maintenance can relieve symptoms.
What Causes Rosacea
There is no one answer to the cause of rosacea. Many believe there is a genetic component to the condition whereas the most recent research points to an elevated protein in the skin, called Cathelicidin.
Another theory is that a mite, the Dermadex Folliculorum, commonly found in the skin, can trigger an inflammation in some people. This is thought to be related to the presence of an excess layer of superficial blood vessels, which are more sensitive to external stimuli than an average resilient skin.
There is also some evidence to suggest that an impaired gut function may be causative (maybe from taking long term antibiotics). Helicbactor Pilori is thought to be the culprit and for those diagnosed and subsequently treated for this condition, relief from rosacea symptoms can be quickly apparent.
Lastly, some researchers believe that those with rosacea have an impaired barrier function of the skin and are therefore much more at risk of developing inflammatory skin conditions. It is thought that blood vessels multiply (angiogenesis) to try and help feed the surface of the skin and improve its barrier function. These ideas relating to the new field of Corneotherapy are gaining much credence.
Regardless of the cause, there are plenty of factors that can make rosacea worse! Basically, anything that causes a rush of blood to the face or irritates the surface of the skin is an issue.
All of these are triggers:
- Poor skin products/some cosmetic ingredients
- Emulsifying Cleansers
- Sun exposure
- Hot climates
- Heavy or strenuous exercise
- Emotional stress
- Topical steroid creams and other topical medications that can thin the skin
- Spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine (especially from hot beverages like coffee)
Who Gets Rosacea
Rosacea affects adults, usually between the ages of 30 and 55. Women are diagnosed with rosacea more frequently than men, but men tend to experience more severe symptoms, such as a swollen, distended nose area and more broken capillaries.
Our Rosacea program is extremely successful, with the majority of patients gaining control of this frustrating skin disease within a relatively short period of time. Light therapies alongside active topical creams help reduce symptoms quickly and with continued usage of the correct topical creams, symptoms can be controlled and discomfort alleviated.
Treatments for Rosacea:
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