Rosacea Awareness: Causes and Treatments

Rosacea is a frustrating condition for many of its sufferers because so often, it goes misdiagnosed. During the onset of Rosacea, symptoms are similar to common acne (acne vulgaris) or skin dermatitis, resulting in prescribed treatments that ultimately, will not treat the direct problem.

Rosacea affects an estimated 45 million people around the world, and is most common in people of north-western European heritage. In fact, it's often known as "the curse of the Celts" in Ireland.

Generally, those who get Rosacea are between the ages of 30 and 60. While this skin condition affects both sexes, women are significantly more at risk. The most common complaint is unexplained flushing or redness of the cheeks, nose, neck, and eventually, broken capillaries around the nose and cheeks.

Moderate to severe Rosacea causes uncomfortable stinging and acne-like bumps. In the most severe cases, Rosacea creates puss-filled cysts, itchy, irritated eyes, and a red, globular looking nose.

While Rosacea can be a devestating condition for many people, modern laser technology and light-based therapy are offering new treatments for Rosacea and new hope for its sufferers.

One of the most common treatments utilized by skincare professionals today is IPL for Rosacea. Commonly referred to as a Photofacial, Rosacea suffers are seeking this light based therapy to significantly reduce the redness caused during a Rosacea outbreak. IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy works by pentrating the skin at the epidermis layer, reaching the capillaries and causing them to become damanged and naturally absorbed by the body.

The CO₂ laser for Roscea is also a proven method for ridding patients of excess tissue caused by a subtype of the skin disorder known as phymatous Rosacea. The CO₂ laser works by acting as a "scalpel," removing excess tissue that results from this variation.

Rosacea Causes: What to Avoid

If you're suffering from Rosacea, you should know that you can avoid "flare ups" by taking a few precautions. We've put together a few tips that can help make your condition more manageable.

• Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers
  If you've been diagnosed with Rosacea, one of the first proactive steps you can take is to purchase a non-irritating cleanser. If you're unsure of what to buy, or would like a prescrption, visit your dematologist, medical spa, or plastic surgeon. Most medical spas offer clinical grade skincare that is extremely gentle on the skin (the brand PCA is a very common choice). If you're searching for something over-the-counter, Cetaphil® is widely recommended by dermatologists. Any cleanser with alcohol, artificial coloring, or fragnance is strongly discouraged.
• Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
  Not only does sun exposure cause premature wrinkles and sun damage (not to mention skin cancer), getting sunburned greatly increases your chance for a Rosacea flare up. That's why any skincare professional will recommend applying at least a 25 SPF suncreen before going outside.
• Avoid Temperature Extremes
  Anyone who suffers from this skin disorder will tell you heat causes Rosacea flare ups. That's why symptoms are usually worse during the winter (when the heat is cranked up in most homes and offices), or in the summer on a blazing hot day. If you can, try to keep your heat registered at a temperature that is as low as you can comfortably handle. In the summer, try to stay in the air conditioning as much as you're able.
• Avoid Alcohol. Especially if You're a "Wine-O"
  Alcohol, and red wine in particular, causes the skin to flush. Certain foods can also trigger flushing. Obviously spicy food, fruits with a lot of antioxidants, and caffeine.
• Avoid Certain Skin Treatments
  Put simply, Roscea and chemical peels are not a good combination. Also, more invasive acne treatments and anything that contains benzoyl peroxide should be avoided if you have Rosacea.

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