Help for rosacea is on the way......

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the face where the small capillaries of the face become dilated and inflamed.  The superficial tissue of the face also becomes inflamed in the areas of the nose, cheeks and chin.  Often times, this condition can be accompanied by acne type lesions as well such as pustule papule red lesions. This is commonly known as adult acne and more commonly affects age groups 20-70. It is more prevalent in fair-skinned people and females. Men can also develop rosacea and some clients develop a swelling of the tissue of the nose called Rhinophyma typical to W. C. Fields.  

The dilated capillaries can advance to broken vessels at the surface of the skin called telangiectasia. These broken and inflamed blood vessels cause a persistent red blushed look, typical to the rosacea client.

Rosacea tends to have periods of flare ups followed by periods of clearing.  The condition is aggravated by acidic and spicy foods, hot or cold extreme temperatures, alcohol and generally hot temperature beverages or foods. Rosacea can also involve the eyelids causing inflammation of the connective tissue.

Treatment of rosacea is very difficult.  Clients should be advised to eliminate all aggravating foods and beverages and well as wash with tepid water only, avoiding excessively hot or cold temperatures. 

Rosacea should be treated early to avoid permanent tissue inflammation.   It can be treated with a topical anti-inflammatory as well as topical anti-yeast medication known as Metronidazole or Metrogel.  Internal antibiotics and external antibiotics can also be used.  Also, regular light glycolic peels, such as Clinage's infused with healing topical Vitamins C, B3, and A therapy can also be helpful to reduce inflammation and control breakouts.

Until next time........