Rosacea – Can the Fight Be Won?

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CURE ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects men and women over the age of 30. Rosacea is most common on the face, affecting the t-zone area and the cheeks. Unfortunately professionals are still unable to pinpoint a definite cause and doctors do not believe there is a cure. However, there are many ways to control flare ups and live a virtually rosacea free life.

SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA:

*A flushed, red face with sensitive, dry skin that may burn or sting.
*Redness on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead.
*Small bumps, swelling and pimples, fine red lines and/or acne-like breakouts.
*Rhinophyma (an enlarged, bulbous red nose).
*Skin that gets coarser and thicker, with a bumpy texture.
*Dry, red, sore or irritated eyes or conjunctivitis.

CAUSES OF ROSACEA:

The cause is still somewhat unknown. It tends to affect those who have fair skin or blush easily. Heredity also plays a role.  Rosacea is not caused by alcohol abuse, as originally believed, however alcohol can trigger a flare up of symptoms.

COMMON TRIGGERS:

A flare up can occur anytime the blood vessels in the face expand. There are a few things that can cause this expansion, which are called triggers. Common triggers can be any of the following:

*sun
*excessive wind exposure
* hot weather (or extreme temperature changes)
* stress
* spicy foods
* alcohol
* hot baths/hot tubs
*beauty products (can include essential oils)
*strenuous workouts

TREATMENT:

There are a few things you can do to reduce symptoms and keep rosacea from getting worse.

1. Know your triggers and avoid them. Not all triggers are the same. Everyone is different.
2. Get any bothersome symptoms under control. A licensed professional may suggest or prescribe treatments to reduce redness and any breakouts.
3. Protect your skin by staying out of the sun between peak hours (10 am – 4 pm). When you are outdoors, protect your face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Wear a natural sunscreen free of chemicals.
4. Be gentle with your skin. Use natural skin care products for sensitive skin. Avoid any products containing harmful ingredients or chemicals that can irritate your skin.
5. Avoid scrubbing or over exfoliating your skin.
6. Try switching to jojoba oil as a substitute to your regular moisturizer. Jojoba oil can be calming for irritated skin.
7. Take care of your eyes. If needed, apply a warm, wet cloth several times a day. Try soaking the washcloth with a little bit of chamomile tea or eyebright.
8. Eat anti-inflammatory foods and herbs. Try using ginger and turmeric herbs in your everyday diet and eat healthy high alkaline meals.
9. Reduce processed foods and sugar intake.

Rosacea can be tough to treat but there are solutions that can help. Keeping a diary of when flare ups happen will help you pinpoint the cause or trigger. This will help reduce flare ups by changing your habits.  Many have seen improvement with these changes. Keep fighting to keep flare ups under control for smoother, less irritated skin.