Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition, which appears as flushing or enlarged blood vessels, most commonly on the face. It occurs in adults, mostly among fair skinned women. The cause is unknown and the first stage, which is redness normally, appears in ruddy or blushy complexion types. Most people develop Rosacea between their 30s and 50s and it mainly affects the face or inflamed, red, oily or acne-prone areas. Rosacea affects over 45 million people worldwide and mainly white skinned women of north-western European origin. Rosacea is also often referred to as “adult acne”.

How to treat Rosacea

Rosacea is not currently curable. People suffer with different symptoms, therefore it’s important to acquire the correct type of treatment for Rosacea. Many people have changed their eating/drinking habits and managed to reduce stress in their lives to clear a considerable amount of the their symptoms.

There are many different ways in which people treat Rosacea and some require multiple treatments. Medical treatments include antibacterial washes, topical creams, antibiotic pills, lasers, pulsed-light therapies and isotretinoin. Some people have experienced long periods of time, as much as years, of significantly cleared skin from under going intense pulse light treatment (photodynamic). It is important to choose the correct treatment for the severity of your symptoms and a GP’s advise should be taken.

For short-term help a simple cover-up makeup can be used for the telangiectasias (small blood vessels on the skin surface around the nose, cheeks and chin). Some green-based moisturizers or tinted foundations can also be used to help conceal the affected areas.

There are certain things people can avoid to help reduce their effects. As symptoms and severities are different among sufferers these will not always apply:-

• • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Spicy foods
  • Hot drinks
  • Exposure to sunlight (use an SPF 15 or more at all times)
  • Extreme hot and cold temperatures
  • Some hair sprays or cosmetics
  • Rubbing the face
  • Products such as soap, moisturizers, and sunscreens containing alcohol

Finacea - Treatment for Rosacea

Finacea is a prescription treatment gel that has been approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) for mild to moderate Rosacea. Finacea is water-based, fragrance/alcohol free and results have shown that it can work within four weeks. Dermatologists recommend Finacea as their first line treatment for mild to moderate sufferers.

Salicylic Acid - Treatment for Rosacea

Salicylic acid is a popular over-the-counter treatment for Rosacea and acne and works as an exfoliant, in helping rid of the dead skin cells. Once daily is highly recommended for the use of Salicylic acid as it can dry the skin, however moisturising oil can be used in this case. It’s also recommended to use pads, lotion or gel and not multiple treatments at any one time.

Rosacea and Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma is the third stage of Rosacea, which is the stage that most sufferers do not reach. The first stage is simply redness in the face. The second stage is when the redness covers a larger area such as the cheeks, forehead and nose. Rhinopyma being the third stage is when the central area of the face swells and grows.

Rhinopyma can be treated by SilkTouch laser resurfacing. This treatment is also used for the reduction of fine lines, work following operations and stretch marks. A local anesthetic is used for the treatment, which is the only pain felt. There is no blood loss and scarring is minimal. Side effects consist of the skin burning and weeping for up to 10 days following the treatment. For up to 12 weeks the skin can have a pink colour, which can be covered by make up. If the skin is exposed to sun following the treatment and sun cream isn’t used a brown discoloration can appear. If patients are prone to cold sores this treatment can cause them to flare up, however medication can stop this. Again a GPs advise should be taken.
Benzoyl Peroxide- Treatment for Rosacea

Benzoyl Peroxide is an oil free substance, which penetrates pores and attacks bacteria. It is a good preventative method and is also a good treatment for acne. It’s an over the counter medication for mild rosacea sufferers and can be found in prescription treatments for those suffering with more symptoms. It is an inexpensive treatment which can be found in a gel, lotion or cleanser.