Rosacea Treatment Options
Patients who are prone to a redness of the face may actually be struggling with a condition known as rosacea. Though rosacea most commonly affects women, men who deal with the condition often display more severe cases.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is classified as a swelling of the blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. Due to the higher than normal concentration of blood at the site, the skin can appear to take on a more pink or reddish hue. In addition it can be associated with small red bumps, spider veins, pimples, eye irritation and burning, tingling or stinging sensations. Rosacea can appear on the cheeks commonly, but also on the forehead, eyelids, nose, chin, neck, chest, ears and scalp.
Rosacea is a vascular or blood vessel disorder. The rushing of blood to the face stimulates sebaceous glands and irritates hair follicles resulting in the characteristic red bumps and pimples. In addition this influx of blood results in the release of a protein that stimulates the growth of more blood vessels. Thus rosacea can be a continually worsening condition.
What causes rosacea?
This is no clear cause or causes for rosacea, though it has been determined that certain people are more prone to exhibit its symptoms. Those who more frequently display rosacea tend to be:
- light-skinned
- blush easily
- between 30 and 50 years old
- female
- heredity
Additional causes may be microdermabrasion, chemical peels, tretinoin and topical steroids.
How can I control rosacea?
Unfortunately, rosacea cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled. It is important to identify the triggers that result in flare-ups. Listed are the most common causes of flare-ups:
- Sun exposure
- Emotional stress
- Hot weather
- Wind
- Heavy exercise
- Alcohol consumption
- Hot baths
- Cold weather
- Spicy foods
- Humidity
- Indoor heat
- Certain skin-care products
- Heated beverages
- Certain cosmetics
While these triggers can vary by patient, you will notice that anything relating to heat, cold, exertion, spicy foods and alcohol are the most prevalent. While it may not be possible to avoid all of these triggers, taking care to note which cause your skin to flare-up can help you control your rosacea.
How can I treat rosacea?
Patients with rosacea tend to have very sensitive skin. In addition, traditional skin treatment modalities such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels have the potential to cause rosacea and therefore cannot be used.
At Hess Medical Spa our master aesthetician will utilize the Vital C line from Image Skincare to help control your rosacea. Vital C soothes skin irritation and nourishes tired, dry, dull looking skin. These products are high in anti-oxidants for ultimate protection and nutrition.
