HEALTHY GEEZER
Drinker’s nose has nothing to do with drinking W .C. Fields, the vaudevillian and comedic actor in early films, was known to hoist more than an occasional beer, but he didn’t get his red, bumpy nose from alcohol. Fields had rosacea, a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling in 16 million Americans. It usually affects the face, but it can also strike the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and even eyes, making them appear bloodshot. Commonly known as “drinker’s nose,” research has debunked the old tale that rosacea is caused by heavy drinking. Alcohol aggravates rosacea, but is not the cause. Another myth is that rosacea is adult acne, but this disease has little to do with pimples and blackheads. Rosacea often starts with what looks like a blush, then progresses to red pimples and bumps filled with pus. Tiny blood vessels may
affects people with fair skin. When women with rosacea go through menopause, they may experience additional flushing. Science hasn’t found a cause, nor is there a cure. However, dermatologists can attack the symptoms with oral and topical medication, laser surgery and other treatments if the disease is caught early. It may take two months of treatment before the affected skin looks better. If you have rosacea, here are some tips to avoid flare ups:
become noticeable. The skin on the nose may become thick and red. Symptoms usually begin in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. Women are afflicted more so than men, but men get more severe forms of the disease. The disease also tends to run in families and
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• Abstain from alcohol or cut down. • Don’t scrub. When you put anything on your face, do so gently. • Avoid spicy foods and hot beverages. • Do not use facial products containing alcohol, acids and fragrances. Wash with mild soap. • Avoid overheating. Exercise in a cool place and avoid taking hot showers or baths. • Don’t get hair spray on your face. ■
• Shield yourself from the sun and extreme cold.
HEALTHY GEEZER
BY FRED CICETTI Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email him at Fred@HealthyGeezer.com
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