WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the central face (cheeks, chin, nose and forehead) – it is usually in the area where people blush.
Facial redness (the medical term is erythema) is the most common and sometimes the only symptom of rosacea.
While rosacea symptoms vary from one person to another, flushing and facial redness are the main symptoms but in more severe cases small broken veins and pimple-like bumps called papules and pustules appear on the face. At this stage, rosacea is often this is often mistaken for acne.
In some people with rosacea, facial flushing and redness may come and go frequently, often without warning. In others, the redness may be persistent and does not seem to fade away.
What triggers rosacea flushes and flares?
These are some of the common triggers that cause rosacea flushes and flares. The triggers are different for everyone – some may react to these triggers while may not:
- Hormone-induced flushing i.e menopause or peri-menopause
- Hot baths, showers or saunas
- Sun Exposure
- Spicy Food
- Alcohol
- Hot drinks like tea & coffee
- Intense exercise leading to overheating in hot or cold temperatures
- Extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures and harsh winds
- Stress and anxiety
- Skin products: excessive use of exfoliators, scrubs and also those containing fragrances and alcohol.
- Medication: some high blood pressure tablets and cortisone tablets, injections and topical products
- Genetic predisposition towards Rosacea
Treatment:
In more severe cases of rosacea i.e. persistent redness, broken veins, papules and pustules, it is best to consult a Dermatologist as they will assess you and prescribe the correct medication to help bring the condition under control.
It has been shown that Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments make it easier to manage rosacea and we offer treatments for rosacea with our brand new Candela Nordlys Ellipse Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to help reduce redness and broken red veins caused by this condition.
Tips:
Keeping track of your flare-ups may help you figure out your triggers and help you to avoid them in the future ie.spicy foods, alcohol, hot baths etc.
Try and keep your body at an even temperature. Going from extreme temperatures can trigger flushing and redness – cold air-conditioners to hot central heating.
Plan your outdoor exercise: in winter avoid chilly early mornings or in summer don’t exercise at midday.
It is best to try and remain in an environmental temperature of around 23 degrees Celcius.
For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .
or call us on +27 21 852 8709