by Gabriella D'Anton

Created on: November 15, 2009

ROSACEA condition, symptoms and recommendations

Rosacea is a disturbing chronic condition of the skin characterized by persistent redness. The redness is caused by dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Sometimes tiny white papules and pustules are also present, especially around the cheeks, nose and chin area.

The exact causes of Rosacea are still unknown; however it is believe to be a deficiency of the immune system, a gastro-intestinal track disorder and possibly a neural and hormonal stress related condition. Rosacea is progressive and left untreated will worsen and produce coarse skin texture, acne like papules, broken capillaries and scarring.

Often associated or mistakenly diagnosed as acne, Rosacea is a vascular disorder and not caused by bacteria. It usually appears later in life, between the ages of 30 and 50 and it is more prominent in people with fair skin. More women than man are affected by this condition, but in man, whenever present, the affection is more severe.

The exact causes of Rosacea are still unknown; however it is believe to be a deficiency of the immune system, a gastro-intestinal track disorder and possibly a neural and hormonal stress related condition. Rosacea is progressive and left untreated will worsen and produce coarse skin texture, acne like papules, broken capillaries and scarring.

The symptoms of Rosacea include: blushing and flushing easily, swelling, burning sensation, hyper reactivity of the skin to many internal and external conditions.

Several factors could trigger a flare-up of Rosacea:

- emotional (anxiety, excitement, stress, concentration)

- hormonal (birth control pills, estrogen)

- environmental (extreme cold or heat, wind, sun, humidity),

- some beverages as alcohol, hot tea or hot coffee.

- some acid foods as tomatoes, spicy condiments, strawberries and citric fruit

- topical use of irritants present in cosmetics products and make-up.

- large portion of food intake especially late at night

The treatment of Rosacea is mostly based on elimination of the causes that will trigger the flair-up.

The recommended skin care routine should be extremely gentle, avoiding scrubs, peels, acids, retinol and steroid products that will aggravate the condition. Only soothing ingredients as chamomile, green tea, licorice and hazel nut oil should be used directly on the skin and the pH balance of the cosmetic and make-up products should be 7 (neutral) or alkaline.

A periodic lymphatic massage is also recommended in order to improve micro-circulation and the use of copper peptide proved beneficial by strengthening blood vessels walls.

Although there is no known cure for Rosacea, the condition could be successfully kept under control.

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