F A L L   1 9 9 9

SKIN DisORDERS Rosacea: recognize the symptoms

Does your face flush easily? Does your skin always look red? Do you experience frequent breakouts, especially on the cheeks and nose? You may be suffering from rosacea. According to figures recently published in Skin and Allergy News, rosacea is now the fifth most common disorder diagnosed by dermatologists. This vascular disorder, characterized by the symptoms described above has puzzled medical researchers for years. However, there have been recent advancements made in its research that may make diagnosing this condition easier, contributing to a more effective treatment. Despite much debate on the part of medical researchers, the cause of skin flushing is still unknown. However, there are factors that appear common to its sufferers. For one, rosacea typically first appears between the ages of 30 to 60. The facial areas most commonly affected by this condition are the cheeks, nose and chin. Rosacea usually begins as a mild redness or frequent flushing that gradually becomes more persistent. As a result, small blood vessels may become apparent. This is frequently accompanied by pimples and bumps. In more advanced cases, the nose may become bumpy and swollen. Can anything aggravate rosacea? In a study conducted by the National Rosacea Society, certain kinds of beverages and foods including alcohol, hot beverages, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits and hot spices, were shown to aggravate the condition. Among alcoholic beverages, red wine was shown to be the greatest irritant. Environmental factors, such as temperature extremes, strong winds and sun exposure have been shown to intensify the symptoms. To protect your face from these external conditions, wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 daily. What is the treatment for rosacea? In the initial stages, physicians typically treat this condition with a combination of topical and oral antibiotics to bring it under control. Once that is achieved, the topical medication is continued alone over the long term. For the topical medication to be most effective, it is important to apply it over the entire face and not to just spot treat the individual breakouts. In some cases, mild topical steroids can be prescribed over a short period of time to help control redness. Although, with some individuals it has been shown that steroids can aggravate rosacea. In conclusion, if you think you may be suffering from rosacea, get help. Don't ignore this condition as it does not go away. Consult your dermatologist and begin treatment to prevent this disorder from worsening.