Rosacea is a long-term disease that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes. Its symptoms include redness, pimples, and, in later stages, thicker skin. In most cases, Rosacea targets the face. It is a common skin disease but is very dangerous if not treated well. This disease is common in people with fair skin and in women especially during menopause.

Though the common cause of Rosacea is not yet found, but doctors believe that it occurs when blood vessels expand, causing flushing. It is also believed that people who blush a lot are more likely to Rosacea. Though not well researched, scientists say that factors like heat, heavy exercise, alcohol intake, spicy foods, stress, sunlight, and long term usage of steroids are responsible for Rosacea.

Honestly, there is no cure for Rosacea. But there are some skin care tips that can actually control and treat Rosacea and make the skin look better. Natural remedies can be very productive in treating Rosacea.

Plenty of water with fruits and vegetables is what proves to be very effective in treating Rosacea. At the same time applying a cold compress to the affected area and use of diluted water to wipe off the face.

A Hydrochloric acid supplement increases the production of stomach acid. Hence it is believed that this might help, but it has not yet been shown whether the production of stomach acid has any effect on Rosacea. But B vitamins are beneficial.

Treating Rosacea with cream and lotions can give some relief too. Sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting it form UVA and UVB rays. But make sure that it carries a sun protecting factor SPF of 15 or higher. A mild moisturizer also helps, instead of applying irritating products on the skin.

Many who suffer from this skin disorder do seek the advice of a dermatologist to control it.

Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.

A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some of Dr. Bersons recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers.
Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, “Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse.”

Using moisturizers.
Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skins moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skins barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.

Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Using noncomedogenic sunscreens.

Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives.

The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skins primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)

Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004

Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.

E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work Skinny Fat Chicks, Why were still not getting this dieting thing (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

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When my friend Sid was small he used to get pimples. His brothers used to get acne pimples as well but they were lucky because their acne used to disappear quickly. He was the unlucky one because he used to get a new one almost every other day. Everyone told him that once he will reach the age of 25 they will go away, and they did but unfortunately he contracted with rosacea, i.e. adult acne.

He used to get patchy-redness and sudden flushing all the time, sometimes he had a pimple or two but his skin used to remain oily all the time. He used to wash his face every couple of hours with medicated soap but his face used to get oily very quickly.

The problem was that he didn’t even realize that he had rosacea for the first few years until his skin specialist diagnosed him with rosacea. He became self-conscious and used to avoid gatherings. He tried many different treatments and medicines antibiotics, Retin-A you name it he tried it including herbal treatments. Even used gram flour and orange peel, which his grandma prepared and forced him to used but nothing worked for him.

First I had Acne and now adult acne, what is the problem with me? The question he used to ask himself and to everyone else almost everyday for which the answer we still don’t know. He tried different creams and changed his skin specialist again and again to find the right one. But unfortunately nothing and no one could help him. This is because what causes rosacea is still unknown. It is still a mystery even for some doctors that which rosacea treatment is actually right for someone who has rosacea. It’s not that treatments do not work with rosacea, some treatments work well, but which one is the right one is a million dollar question. Until one day when his mum’s ever increasing criticism became unbearable he stopped using soap, drinking more water and he started washing his face only with warm water. In his own words the first 3 weeks were terrible for him. He could not go out, he could not face anyone. I think it was just his imagination that he looked awful but after that his face accepted water and the oiliness of his face started to decline. It took about 2 months before his face started to remain dry and he got rid of oiliness.

The flushing was still the big problem for him. Even though he promised himself that he will not used any new treatment but a sudden flare-up still made him look around for treatments. Then he discovered Jojoba Oil, which was a turning point and a true-life saver for him, that’s what he says about the oil. It took about a week before his face actually accepted the oil. The best thing was the application of Jojoba oil was simple, just warm water a drop of pure jojoba oil every morning and evening and his face redness started to decline. Nowadays he doesn’t get sudden flare-ups.

I hope that some people who are suffering from acne rosacea, if increase the use of water and use jojoba oil instead of experimenting on new medicated soaps and creams then they might help them with their rosacea problem.

About the Author

Saad Saleem writes on a variety of subjects including Acne and adult acne (rosacea). All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.rosaceatips.com/

Signs and Symptoms of Acne Rosacea

There are certain contrasts between acne rosacea and acne vulgaris. As you probably know, acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne which seems to start with the onset of puberty and is characterized by the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Acne rosacea, on the other hand, usually makes its first appearance between the ages of 30 and 50, is confined to the face — mostly the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and eyelids — and is not associated with overactive oil glands.

The lesions seen in acne rosacea consist of erythema, minute dilated blood vessels, papules and pustules. The color of the skin in the affected areas varies from bright to dull red, or it can even take on a purplish hue. At first the redness may last for just a few hours, but later as the condition progresses and recurrences continue, the color persists and can become permanent.

The hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands, especially on the nose, leads to thickening of the skin, increased visibility of the expanded follicles and an enlargement of the nose, so often associated with acne rosacea. Although most commonly seen in women, men have the most severe cases and are the ones that usually develop the disfiguring bulbous nose, known as rhinophyma. Oddly, sometimes rhinophyma is the only sign of the condition.

People suffering from acne rosacea come to realize what aggravates their particular outbreaks and avoid them, if possible. The most common stimulants are hot, spicy foods, hot beverages and alcohol. Exposure to the sun and to heat also seems to be aggravating factors.

Acne rosacea is not life-threatening, but it certainly does severely alter a person’s appearance.

Complications Associated With Rosacea

There are only a few complications associated with acne rosacea. Sometimes, eye irritations can occur due to inflammation of the eyelashes or outer surface of the eyes. The membrane covering the lens (cornea) can become inflamed leading to impaired vision, but this rarely happens.

Treatment Options for Acne Rosacea

Topical and Oral Medication. There is no proven cure for rosacea since the exact cause of the disease is not known. Successful treatment is based on controlling the acne-like symptoms with the same topical and systemic medications used in treating regular acne.

The most effective treatment to date includes long term use of topical and oral antibiotics such as tetracycline which does seem to control the eruptions. The dosage of the antibiotic is slowly lowered to maintain control. In most cases, it can eventually be discontinued altogether without recurrence of the rosacea pimples. Of course, tetracycline should never be taken during pregnancy since the medication does affect the unborn child.

Laser and Surgery. Laser treatment has been successful in eliminating the enlarged facial blood vessels. This is a treatment that causes very little discomfort. Also, surgery can be used to remove the excess tissue associated with rhinophyma.

Other Treatment. The psychological and stress problems associated with acne rosacea should always be assessed and treated. The symptoms and severity are varied and can, at times, require the attention of a medical specialist.

Rosacea is a long-term disease that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes. Its symptoms include redness, pimples, and, in later stages, thicker skin. In most cases, Rosacea targets the face. It is a common skin disease but is very dangerous if not treated well. This disease is common in people with fair skin and in women especially during menopause.

Though the common cause of Rosacea is not yet found, but doctors believe that it occurs when blood vessels expand, causing flushing. It is also believed that people who blush a lot are more likely to Rosacea. Though not well researched, scientists say that factors like heat, heavy exercise, alcohol intake, spicy foods, stress, sunlight, and long term usage of steroids are responsible for Rosacea.

Honestly, there is no cure for Rosacea. But there are some skin care tips that can actually control and treat Rosacea and make the skin look better. Natural remedies can be very productive in treating Rosacea.

Plenty of water with fruits and vegetables is what proves to be very effective in treating Rosacea. At the same time applying a cold compress to the affected area and use of diluted water to wipe off the face.

A Hydrochloric acid supplement increases the production of stomach acid. Hence it is believed that this might help, but it has not yet been shown whether the production of stomach acid has any effect on Rosacea. But B vitamins are beneficial.

Treating Rosacea with cream and lotions can give some relief too. Sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting it form UVA and UVB rays. But make sure that it carries a sun protecting factor SPF of 15 or higher. A mild moisturizer also helps, instead of applying irritating products on the skin.

Many who suffer from this skin disorder do seek the advice of a dermatologist to control it.

Rosacea is a chronic, lifelong skin condition that affects (most often) the face. The disease is common: approximately 1 in every 20 Americans has rosacea. Women are affected more often in the early stages (flushing and erythrosis), but more men progress to the advanced stages and rhinophyma is seen almost exclusively in men over 40 years of age.

Rosacea is characterized by various skin disorders and sufferers must contend with skin flushing, erythrosis (reddish or purplish discoloration of the skin), teleangiectasia (permanent enlargement of small blood vessels), papulopustular rosacea (papules are small, red, raised bumps; pustules are similar but they contain pus) or rhinophyma (enlarged, red, swollen nose) and for many people, some of these signs and symptoms are very common; approximately 94% of people with rosacea have flushing. These attacks last from a few minutes to several hours, and the flushing seen in rosacea is intermittent in nature. The disease, to a greater or lesser degree, is progressive, and the more pronounced skin lesions will usually follow sporadic episodes of flushing.

The exact cause of rosacea has not been determined, but here are many theories. Exposure to the sun may be one factor, and exposure to the sun can precipitate acute episodes of flushing. Another possible cause are skin mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. These tiny insects usually live at the base of hair follicles. They are often found on the faces of people with rosacea, and it has been suggested that they may initiate an inflammatory reaction (Inflammation dilates blood vessels and this contributes to the flush, and it may also damage the blood vessels, causing them to be permanently dilated). Infection with the common bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, has also been suggested as a cause. There may also be genetic defects in the vasculature of the skin that causes hem to become easily - and permanently - dilated.

The signs and symptoms of rosacea are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and disfiguring. (However, rosacea can affect the eyes. Approximately 3% to 58% of patients with skin changes will have eye problems and rosacea keratitis can lead to blindness). Yet although there is no cure for rosacea, the disease can be managed. Topical medication, oral medications and laser therapy can all be used to control flushing and to remove some of the skin blemishes, swollen blood vessels and discoloration. However, it would be far more preferable to prevent outbreaks of flushing and the development of erythrosis and papulopustular lesions. It is well known that there are certain factors - sunlight, stress, heat - that can trigger rosacea signs and symptoms, and food has been identified as a trigger.

What foods have been implicated as causes of rosacea signs and symptoms? The list is long, and there is obviously individual variations in susceptibility: high doses of B6 and B12, chocolate, tomatoes, hot beverages, hot sausage, red pepper, black pepper, vinegar, paprika, white pepper, garlic, wine, hard liquor, beer, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, milk, citrus fruits, eggplants, avocadoes, spinach, raisins, figs, bananas, and marinated meat.

Why do these foods exacerbate rosacea? No one knows for sure, and given the fact that the exact cause of rosacea hasn’t been clearly determined, that’s not surprising. However a look at the pathophysiology of rosacea may provide some clues.

The flush that is so common in people with roseacea is caused by dilation of the small blood vessels of the face. Why this occurs is not certain. The blood vessels may be genetically weak, or they may be damaged by years of exposure to the sun. There may also be an increase in the number of blood vessels, or there may be damage to the walls of the blood vessels. Whatever the cause, the blood vessels (which in the face are very close to the surface) dilate. Many of the foods that trigger flushing attacks most likely do so by increasing body temperature, and in order to lose body heat, blood vessels dilate. Others may cause flushing by stimulating the release of histamine. This is a naturally occurring substance that dilates blood vessels and some foods, e.g. beer and citrus fruits may stimulate the release of histamine.

Rosacea is a very common skin problem. The effects of Rosacea are very devastating for both men and women. Besides affecting the texture of the skin it affects the looks. Rosacea characteristically attacks the face, but is also found in other parts of the body too. It?s a typical skin disease that causes redness, pimples and pink red lines on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and also on the skin of neck. It also cause burning and soreness in the eyes and the eyelids.

Rosacea is more common in men and women with fair skin and is common in all skins in sunny countries. Although there are no treatments for Rosacea, but it can be stopped from getting worse by identifying and avoiding its triggers that are responsible for causing Rosacea. It is very important to follow a treatment plan to determine the triggers responsible for Rosacea. The most important tip is to use the right natural treatments. By using the right natural treatment you can reduce or eliminate Rosacea.

? Clean your face several times a day using a mild cleanser.

? Wear a gentle sunscreen, when going out.

? Drink lots of water and spray face with cold water as frequently as possible.

? Lower down the level of spicy food level.

? Avoid sun rays and try staying in some shady areas. The sun can aggravate your skin conditions.

? Add fruits and vegetables to your diet and avoid alcohol, beverages tea etc.

Following these steps can greatly reduce the symptoms, but you will need to do more to cure your Rosacea. A healthy life style also plays a part in Treating Rosacea. The good news is that Rosacea is now treatable with some topical antibiotic. But, one of course must consult a dermatologist before going for any ointment or medicines inorder to avoid adverse affects.

When it comes to your face, keep in mind, never experiment with it. Your face puts the first impression, so care for it. Treating your face skin with natural tips is the best way to keep away from scars and blemish.

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Diagnosis.

Many people misinterpret the symptoms of Rosacea, as sunburn or acne, and don’t seek treatment, but the key to successful management of it is early diagnosis.

Many experts subscribe to this point of view saying - “The single most important action people who suspect they have Rosacea can take, is to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Control.

There is no cure for Rosacea, but treatments are designed to prevent flare-ups and control signs and symptoms. Some experts say that early diagnosis and treatment, might actually reverse progression, thus improving the appearance of the skin.

Treatments today are used to control Rosacea. There are many products on the market, and your doctor will recommend which is/are best for your condition.

Over-the-counter therapies are not recommended for the treatment of Rosacea and acne preparations may make it worse. When Rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturisers may improve the skin’s barrier function.

Laser.

Some Rosacea treatment options include topical antibiotics, other topical preparations, oral antibiotics, laser therapy and plastic surgery. Lifestyle changes, prescription therapy and, if necessary, laser treatment for visible blood vessels and excess tissue can eradicate Rosacea’s symptoms.

A doctor will discuss the laser treatment of Rosacea with you at a consultation, and assess whether or not you are a candidate for therapy. Severe cases of Rosacea, in which blood vessels stand out, or the nose has become enlarged, may be helped with laser treatments.

Granulomatous Rosacea does not respond to antibiotic treatment, and may require surgical procedures such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or plastic surgery. Laser therapy, isotretinoin and protective barrier creams are just three of the many available treatments for Rosacea.

Conclusion.

There is, as we have seen, no cure for Rosacea, but sensible use of acceptable cosmetics (acceptable to the medical profession) can prove a very successful mask for the condition. However, before application make sure that your doctor approves.

Tony Bryan Author ? 2006.

About the Author

About the author. Tony Bryan has many health websites the main one being http://www.healthwyse-one.com

This article may be reprinted providing that the ‘About the author’ box is reprinted along with it. Otherwise Copyright will be pursued.

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What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin problem of the face. In this the facial skin gets a reddish tone forever. It may cause itching and also cause spider veins and acne like pimples. Rosacea gets flared with triggers such as sun, caffeine, alcohol, spiced food etc. Though there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled. Let us find out more.

Rosacea- treatment of spider veins and inflammation

Most of the doctors cut the very small spider veins that become red with a electric needle. Once these veins are destroyed the reddish hue on the facial skin decreases considerably. Laser is also used to treat these veins. Some anti inflammatory topical formulations can be prescribed that will reduce the color and the problem.

Rosacea- treatment of pustules

the pustules that appear in rosacea are not acne but can be treated with topical medications including topical antibiotics. For more details about rosacea treatment, please click here- Rosacea treatment

Rosacea - triggers

Despite all the treatment you need to take care of the triggers. Whenever you get a flare up, please try to find out the trigger and make a list of your personal triggers. Avoid them.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About the Author

The author C.D.Mohatta writes on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit his skin care guide for more information about how to have good skin. You can also read his articles on love. The author also writes for free online greetings on all events and occasions.