by Karen Chamchuk

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 11, 2010

Rosacea is a long-lasting, non-scarring skin condition characterized by a flushing and redness of the face. Rosacea is three times more common in women than men and the average age of onset is between 20 to 40 years.

As Rosacea progresses, additional symptoms may develop including dilation of superficial blood vessels on the face, pustules(a small collection of pus in the top layer of the skin), small bumps, eye complications, and, in some advanced cases, a large, bulbous ruddy appearance of the nose.

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:

Rosacea sufferers should avoid hot liquids, spicy foods, alcohol, and exposure to extremes of heat, cold and stress.

When choosing a suitable skin care regimen, it is important to avoid ingredients that may irritate the skin. Skin products that contain alcohol, alpha-hydroxys, and glycolic acid should be avoided. Patients should also avoid exfoliation, particularly in affected areas since excessive rubbing or scrubbing can aggravate the condition.

MILD CLEANSERS:

Water soluble cleansers are the most gentle and therefore are appropriate for treatment of rosacea. Examples of such cleansers are Cetaphil cleanser, Spectro Jel, Dormer cleanser, Aphanil, Seaquanil, Purpose gentle skin cleanser and Dove, by Unilever. Always seek the advice of your physician before using random over-the-counter medications. Some medications can actually cause further irritation to the skin. Harsh soaps and lotions should be avoided.

SUN PROTECTION:

Sun exposure can cause flare-ups for many rosacea sufferers. For this reason, the use of wide-brimmed hat and suncreens are strongly recommended. Rosacea sufferers usually have fair skin, therefore, the use of an appropriate daily sunscreen lotion makes sense.

ORAL ANTIBIOTICS:

Oral Antibiotics are often prescribed to patients with moderate rosacea. These medications may help reduce inflammation and pimples in rosacea. The dosage usually starts off high and is gradually tapered to maintenance levels.

OCULAR ROSACIA:

About half of all people with rosacea experience pink eye, burning eyes, dryness and recurrent sties. Symptoms may also include redness of the eyelids and light sensitivity.

If left untreated, ocular rosacea may result in rosacea keratitis, a serious complication that can damage the cornea, resulting in impaired vision.

It is important to have your eyes examined regularly by an ophthalmologist because ocular rosacea can easily go undetected by the patient. An ophthalmologist can prescribe rosacea eye drops.

The skin on our face is the first thing people see when they meet us, therefore we should do everything we can to make sure this first impression is a positive one. While different treatment options are available, the avoidance of certain aggravating factors can also help to reduce rosacea symptoms.

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