SKIN GET TO KNOW ”ROSIE“

There’s a big difference between a healthy glow and signs of rosacea

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by flare-ups of redness and flushing of the face. The disorder can also extend to the neck, chest and scalp. Symptoms typically appear after the age of 30. Rosacea is more common in women than men and more likely to occur in fair-skinned individuals. Sun damage has been shown to be a contributing factor.

Because of the progressive nature of rosacea, early treatment is essential. Left untreated, rosacea can progress to a chronic ruddiness of the complexion, facial bumps and pimple-like lesions. Swelling and enlargement of the nose can occur in severe cases and is more likely in men than women. Ocular rosacea, or dry eye syndrome, can develop in some individuals, resulting in chronic redness and irritation of the eyes.

There is no known cause or cure for rosacea, but symptoms can be controlled with oral and topical prescription medications, avoidance of known triggers and proper diet.

The month of April has been named National Rosacea Awareness Month by the National Rosacea Society in order to help the public better understand the disease. To learn more about rosacea, visit www.rosacea.org.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

While symptoms and intensity vary from person to person, the most common symptoms of rosacea remain consistent:

• Facial flushing and redness

• Tiny bumps and pustules scattered on the cheeks and forehead

As a licensed aesthetician who sees rosacea on a daily basis, I believe an important key to successful rosacea treatment also involves the following:

• Eat a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants and fresh organic fruits and vegetables

• Add ginger and turmeric root to your diet. They’ve been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The fresh roots can be juiced or taken in supplemental powders or capsules

• Dine on foods high in essential fatty acids, such as flaxseed, hemp hearts and chia seeds, which help control inflammation and improve skin health

• Consume probiotics to help control small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

• Avoid environmental toxins and pesticides

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the National Rosacea Society, 16 million Americans suffer from Rosacea, and millions more may be in temporary remission.

What causes flare-ups? Rosacea flare-ups occur when blood vessels in the skin become dilated, causing the face to become red and inflamed.

Below are some of the most common triggers:

• Sun exposure and environmental extremes, such as heat, wind and cold

• Emotional stress

• Alcohol

• Spicy foods

• Certain cosmetics and skin care products

• Inflammatory diet, including high fat, high glycemic foods such as dairy and refined sugars

What is the Treatment?

Because there is no known cure for rosacea, traditional physicians typically recommend lifestyle changes to control the symptoms. This would include avoiding known triggers such as those listed above. In addition, your physician may prescribe topical or oral medications. Light emitting diodes (LED) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have shown success with treating facial flushing and redness.

• Visible blood vessels on the face, especially the nose and cheeks

• Redness and irritation of the eyes and/or eyelids

• Progression of the disease can result in rough, raised patches of skin on the face and skin thickening, especially on the nose