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.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is one proven cure for acne. It has been discovered as an effective treatment for acne since the year 1920. And until the present, dermatologists are still recommending it for their patients with various acne problems. 2.5% to 10% concentration is commonly used in acne lotions and creams.

Now, how do we get pimples and how does benzoyl peroxide work? Our skin has numerous sebaceous glands that produce oil called sebum. When the glands inflame and excess sebum is produced, acne forms on the skin. Acne is also formed when bacteria comes to the skin and feed off the sebum. These bacteria produce substances that cause the glands to inflame, and as a result, acne is produced.

But with benzoyl peroxide handy, you can prevent pimples from forming and avoid your skin from scarring. It dries the skin thereby shedding off the dead cells. As a result, infections are prevented from developing since the skin pores are no longer susceptible of being blocked. In addition, bacteria are killed and the pimples are prevented from growing on your skin.

Each person has various types of skin thus some people who use benzoyl peroxide find them effective, while some do not. Others, especially those with sensitive skin, often have allergies so you need to inform your dermatologist when you experience these reactions. Although it causes dryness and skin irritations, but these initial reactions are commonly eliminated from the moment you gained tolerance from it. Some may obtain redness when they use it for the first time, but this is reduced when you get used to it.

Using it is known to be safe that it can even be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. However, you must properly follow the recommended prescription made by your dermatologist to obtain the best results. And when applying it on your skin, you must make sure that you avoid it from having contact with your eyes and mucosal surfaces.

It is important to note that aside from being a cure for pimples, benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent too. By using a higher concentration, it can be great for hair coloring and even for teeth whitening. However, it is not advisable to use it one hundred percent pure because it is flammable and toxic. You must use only the right and proper amount to keep yourself away from danger.

Having pimples can be very irritating and makes you become self-conscious. Especially for teenagers that undergo hormonal change, they usually have a hard time in dealing with this dilemma. But treating your acne with the right medication can prevent them from forming. Acne must never be squeezed or pricked, otherwise scars will result, and they can be very hard to get rid of. Aside from that, your pimples will be inflamed and can even be infected from bacteria. You must wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser at least twice a day, and avoid from scrubbing your skin when washing. It would be best to consult your dermatologist to ensure that you get the right treatment so that you can have a smooth and healthy skin.