Rosacea

Do You Have Rosacea?

Rosacea is a prolonged and non-scarring skin condition, which occurs typically on people’s faces. Statistics show that annually, millions of people around the world are affected by this ailment. Early symptoms include flushing and redness on the center of the face and across the cheeks, nose or forehead. In some cases, the condition might also affect the neck, chest, scalp and ears.

The cause of Rosacea is unknown. Since flushing is a critical part of this condition, most experts and specialists believe that Rosacea occurs when blood vessels are injured by repetitive dilation through stimulus. It is believed that this phenomenon causes the vessels to enlarge in an easy manner and stay open for longer phases. In some cases, these vessels are permanently dilated, consequently causing flushing and redness for long periods of time.

Time and again, this condition has been wrongly identified as adult acne. At times, this is a major concern as it may aggravate the situation. Rosacea conditions differ from person to person and may not deteriorate with time. In most cases a person will experience flushing, which is not related to sweating or being hot.

People suffering from Rosacea may develop visible broken blood vessels on the cheeks. A person may even experience spells of irritation and redness causing small red bumps, also called pustules. As the condition develops, indications such as long-lasting redness, red bumps and burning and stinging sensations may evolve. In some extreme cases, one may develop a bulging nose.

Spicy foods tend to aggravate this condition. To control Rosacea, people should avoid exposure to the sun, cold and wind conditions. Avoiding hot food, drinks and alcohol may also prove beneficial. Workouts and trainings should be conducted in cool settings and care should be taken to avoid dehydration. As Rosacea might differ from person to person, a dermatologist must be consulted before trying any remedy.

Could you have a disease and not know it? Yes, according to the National Rosacea Society. In fact, 14 million unknowing Americans have rosacea. Shocking as this statistic may be, it's even more shocking when you learn the disease is becoming more widespread.

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WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease related to acne. The symptoms of rosacea are clearly visible and it often mistaken for sunburn, windburn, chapped skin, or frostbite. Living with rosacea isn't easy.

Controlling  rosacea is an ongoing task. In my teenage years I was embarrassed to have rosacea. I'm a grandmother now and I'm still embarrassed. When I walked in the dermatologist's office her first words were, "I can see your heritage on your face." (She was beautiful and had flawless skin.) The dermatologist was referring to the fact that rosacea usually strikes people who are 30-50 years of age, have fair skin, and blue eyes.
I have British and German heritage," I replied.
"I can tell," she said.

Though some men have rosacea, more women have it than men, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Rosacea is often a family disease. "Some people believe the social and emotional effects of rosacea are worse than the physical symptoms," the ADD notes. I agree with this statement because I have almost all of the symptoms of rosacea.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

People with rosacea (and you can spot them in a crowd) usually have red faces. Some people have splotches of red on their cheeks or noses. Do you have rosacea? Examine your face closely in a mirror. Look for these symptoms:

* red areas on your face, particularly your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead
* tiny, visible blood vessels around your nose
* blemishes (which may flare)
* watery eyes
* dry, red eyes
* itchy eyes
* thicker skin on parts of your face, such as the forehead

Rosacea can spread to your ears, neck and head, so it's important to keep it under control. Few treatments were available during my high school and college years. I was advised to keep my face clean, avoid fatty foods, and use a sunlamp. After I married and had children a dermatologist gave me a prescription for special make-up. I wore the make-up for several years but stopped because it did not help my rosacea and my face always felt hot.

                        

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Thank goodness treatments have improved since my student years. Early identification of the disease is the key to successful treatment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. See a dermatologist right away if you think you have rosacea. While there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled, and even advanced cases improve with proper treatment.

The ADA lists treatment options on RosaceaNet and they are topical creams, antibiotics, acid peels, cleaning eyes with diluted baby shampoo, dermabrasion, light and laser therapy, and vascular lasers. I take a daily antibiotic and use a cream that slowly peels my face. My insurance plan won't pay for the cream, despite a medical diagnosis of rosacea, so I have to pay for it.

I just had my prescription refilled at my local pharmacy. Several months ago a tube of cream cost $100. This time it cost me more than $200. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. After I got home I checked the internet prices and found I could buy it for $50. You can bet that I will never have this prescription filled at my local pharmacy again. I will also check with discount store pharmacies before I order over the internet.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If you are diagnosed with rosacea you should follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Rosacea is an ongoing condition, and you have to keep after it. My rosacea flares though I am religious about taking my antibiotic and using the cream. This is common, according to the National Rosacea Society, and it has posted a list of "tripwires" on it website.

These tripwires include hot weather, sun exposure, frigid weather, and stress. What you eat and drink may also cause rosacea to flare. For some reason people with rosacea blush easily and their faces flush easily if they drink alcohol. If you imbibe you should drink slowly and monitor your intake.

The National Rosacea Society says you should also be careful about eating spicy foods and hot foods (coffee, tea, soup) which may cause flushing. It also says you should avoid hot showers, hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Heavy exercise may also cause rosacea to flare. People with rosacea share common symptoms, but each case is different, and you may discover other tripwires.

For example, I used to use an abrasive facial cleanser, but don't any more because it irritated my rosacea. I don't use perfume and wear Almay make-up. To relieve my dry eyes I keep a bottle of artificial tears in the kitchen and in my purse. Rosacea even influences my clothing purchases. You won't find any bright pink or red clothes in my closet. Instead, I wear flattering colors, such as blue, and neutral colors.

Do you have rosacea? If so, you are in famous company. The famous actor, W. C. Fields had rosacea and was known for his bumpy nose. President William Clinton has rosacea. Some famous ice skaters have it too, though I can't recall their names. Rosacea is treatable and you don't have to suffer. See a dermatologist now. Get started on your treatment and a better life.

this information was obtained from,

Roscea provides detailed information on Rosacea, Rosacea Treatment, Acne Rosacea, Ocular Rosacea and more. Rosacea is affiliated with Scalp Psoriasis

More Treatment Idea's

Rosacea is a skin condition, which develops irrespective of a persons skin type. In several cases, it also causes irritation to the delicate eye area or the eyes itself.

Persons who develop eye infections should practice regular eyelid hygiene, including washing with prescribed solutions and applying warm compresses several times a day. In mild cases, the condition is known to have reduced by avoiding stressful and traumatic situations. The National Rosacea Society suggests that persons dealing with this condition may maintain a journal to help recognize and decrease trigger situations.

Some persons maybe prescribed oral antibiotics, which include tetracycline, Doxycycline and Minocycline. Topical antibiotics such as Metronidazole, maybe approved to relieve swelling and partial redness. Oral antibiotics may provide relief from Ocular Rosacea. If symptoms continue, at times Isotretinoin is prescribed. Unfortunately, the antibiotic treatments can cause undesirable side effects, especially when used long-term.

Flushing and swelling of the face can be treated with Clonidine. Its side effects include sleepiness and lowering of blood pressure. Monoxidine, a popular alternative, is less efficient. Determining the cause of flushing is vital. For example, if reddening occurs from consumption of red wines or other foodstuff that contains high amounts of histamine, prescribing antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Claritin could be helpful.

Single wavelength or broad range laser machines are also effective treatment devices for Rosacea. It uses light rays to go through the epidermis and mark the capillaries in the dermis layer of the skin. The heat generated damages these vessels causing them to be absorbed by the human body's inherent defense mechanism. At times, one may use CO2 lasers to eliminate surplus tissues caused by Phymatous Rosacea.

It is essential to maintain a gentle skin-purification routine using skin friendly cleansers and toning solutions. Protection from the sun is important and regular use of a sunscreen containing a high SPF factor and blocking agents such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are advisable. Rosacea treatments differ from person to person, depending on the type of skin and the severity of the condition itself.

http://www.harriethodgson.com http://www.healthwriger.blogspot.comHarriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com. A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the "School Corner" heading. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson

Disclaimer: In no way is this information meant to replace the advice and care from your doctor, or any other medical professional. Patients should inform their doctor/allergist/dermatologist if they are pursuing one of these treatment routes.