 |
Rosacea: what triggers it, and remedies you can try
Although rosacea is a fairly common condition, we don't really know much about it. Here I will provide you with information regarding it, what triggers it, and I will also supply you with home treatments that can really help you.
In the USA there are approximately 15 million people who suffer from the disorder. There are four recognized types of rosacea, and anyone can be affected by more than one type. Perhaps the most distressing, especially for younger people, is the one which is characterized by an enlargement and thickening of the nose. This type is called Phymatous rosacea.
The condition is more prevalent among fair-skinned people, especially those of north European heritage, and women are affected nearly three times as often as men. It begins with redness on the central part of the face and spreads to the cheeks and forehead. Sometimes chest and neck are also affected. As times goes on, dilation of the superficial blood vessels occurs, accompanied by dry red eyes and stinging sensations. The condition is often confused with acne. Unfortunately, sometimes a person may be afflicted by both conditions!
Recent research suggests that an overproduction of two small inflammatory proteins (anti-microbial peptides) may be responsible for the increase of a third protein which causes the symptoms of rosacea. More research is underway, and I will keep you posted on important new developments. I recently published an article on a relatively new drug called Oracea. I will not bother you with the details of my article, but I do want to warn you that if you are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy, DO NOT take Oracea. Doing so may cause harm to the fetus! Another point I made in my article is that Oracea's effects on human sperm are unknown, and studies are in fact being conducted. Results will be available sometime in 2010. If I were you, I'd wait before asking for this new drug.
Let us look now at the most common rosacea triggers. They include: heavy exercise, stress, sunlight, alcohol, medications such as steroids and opiate painkillers, spicy foods, hot and/or cold weather, and menopause. What can you do about it? To begin with, I believe it a good idea to keep a diary where you record your activities, your emotions, the weather, and what you eat. In time, you should start seeing some common patterns (the triggers!) When you do, then it'll be time to take action. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and stay out of the sun if at all possible. Find ways to reduce your stress levels. (You may wish to review the pages I wrote about stress, etc.) When exercising, don't overdo it. Watch your intake of alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods. If they are culprits, eliminate them. Use soaps for sensitive skin. I must say that one of the soaps I sell has proved to be a blessing to several people with skin disorders. One lady came to see me because, as she later told me, one of my long-time customers had "dragged" her in. This lady had resigned to live with whatever skin ailments were troubling her. Well, enter my two special soaps! All I'm going to say is that the lady is one of my staunchiest supporters. After nearly 50 years (!) of trying this and that, countless visits to doctors and dermatologists, two simple soaps and my directions for use made an enormous improvement. Today, rather than spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars, she spends around $20 every few months. She is one happy customer, let me tell you!
Ooops, before signing off. If rosacea affects your eyes, apply warm compresses and use artificial tears. Try not to let soap get in your eyes - and do not smoke!
Use the "Contact Me" form if you have questions. I'm always happy to hear from you.
Rosacea and acne
|
