RSS Feed (xml)
Rosacea Symptoms
Causes
While no one is sure exactly what causes Rosacea, researchers are starting to believe that it isn't just a skin disease, but rather a more complicated reaction between environmental factors and a genetic predisposition toward it. There is evidence that the immune system is involved also. It involves the blood vessels under the skin of the face, and occurs more often in people with light complexions, sun damaged skin, skin which has been subjected to harsh weather or harsh chemicals, such as peels and acne remedies. Although more women than men develop Rosacea, men are more likely to suffer the most severe form. Rosacea is most common in those between 30 and 50, but it can start at any age.
Several new theories about the causes or contributing factors of Rosacea have recently emerged and may lead to better treatments. Some Rosacea researchers believe that the Demodex mite, a common skin mite which is present on almost everyone's skin, may be involved. Rosacea sufferers usually have more mites than non-Rosaceans. But whether the mites cause the Rosacea, contribute to it or just flourish more on Rosaceans is not clear.
Diagnosis
There is no definitive test for Rosacea, but most competent doctors can diagnose the condition by examining the patient and taking a complete health history. Rosacea often "runs in families".
Your family doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, or give you the option of trying the most common treatments, before they make the referral.
Treatments
There is no one treatment for Rosacea. Although antibiotics are often used to calm a Rosacea "flare", they do not offer a permanent cure and may make the disease worse in some cases. And in many people, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic creams and gels, while helping the papules and pustules, do little for the redness and may even make it worse, due to the fact that they make skin more sensitive to the sun, which can cause Rosacea to flare up.
Oral antibiotics, like doxycycline, may help, especially in Ocular Rosacea, where the eyes are affected. Unfortunately, they too can cause sun sensitivity. The patient often has to use a trial and error method to find a balance between controlling the Rosacea and not causing undue sun sensitivity. Most physicians start their Rosacea patients on Metrogel (metronidazole) cream or gel and/or Doxycycline, an oral antibiotic.
Alternative Treatments
There are many alternatives to traditional allopathic treatment for Rosacea. And because Rosacea is different for each Rosacea sufferer, some of the treatments work, for some people, as well as or better than traditional treatments. There are even people who claim that their Rosacea has gone into "remission" with alternative treatments. Rosacea is also a condition that has periods of active flares and calm periods, often for no good reason that the sufferer can see, so it's hard to say whether any remission is because of treatment or some other factor.
Cleansers, Moisturizers and Makeup
Rosaceans usually have very sensitive skin. Obviously, they should avoid harsh cleansers, heavy moisturizers and makeup that irritates their skin. So what should they use? Many Rosaceans find that gentle, natural cleansers, moisturizers and makeup are the ones their skin will tolerate. Some to try are Aubrey Organics and Pure Body Solutions.
If You Have Rosacea
There are several steps that you should take.
- Rosacea support group at Yahoo. This group is probably the greatest source of information on Rosacea anywhere on the Net. They're also very welcoming and supportive of new members and will be glad to help you find answers to the questions that you have about Rosacea. Their resource pages contain a wealth of information on everything from the causes of Rosacea to the latest and most promising treatments. Probably the best thing to do before you post a question, is to read the resource pages and some of the existing posts.
- Find a doctor who will work with you and who is open to newer treatments, rather than just the old standbys of metrogel and antibiotics. You may have to do some research online or question family, friends and everyone else you meet to find one, but it's very important.
- Do as much research as you can, including books, newspaper articles, magazines and online.
- Visit the websites of companies that sell Rosacea remedies, because they often have useful information posted on their sites. Read the testimonials from customers and compare as many companies as possible before you spend any money on treatments. Make sure that there is a money-back guarantee, in case the product doesn't work for you.
- Try some common-sense dietary approaches, like cutting back on sweets, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol and other common Rosacea triggers. Keep a food log and notice what triggers your Rosacea flares and avoid those foods.
- Consider switching to cleansers and soaps that contain natural ingredients or even just washing with distilled water when your Rosacea is making your skin irritated.
- Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep and reduce stress in your life as much as possible.
- Above all, don't feel that you're the only one who suffers from this. Rosacea is a common disease and is becoming more prevalent. Try to keep your sense of humor and remember that you are more than just someone who has a skin problem.
- Don't hide your problem from friends, family and co-workers. It's impossible to hide Rosacea completely, so it's often best just to be upfront about it. It's not contagious, after all. And you may find that it isn't as big a deal to other people as it is to you, like most of the things that stress us out.
- Keep in mind that there is reason for hope. Researchers are working right now on clinical studies to find the cause of Rosacea, which will one day provide Rosacea patients with new and better treatments.
