About Rosacea
Definition of rosacea by famous dermatologist
Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic (long term) skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin (Dr. Berasques). Groups of tiny microvessels (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) close to the surface of the skin become dilated, resulting in blotchy red areas with small papules (a small, red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus, that is minor when the size is of a small measles lesion, moderate when about the size of a pencil eraser, and severe when the papule is the size of a small currency coin or the tip of the little finger) and pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps). The redness can come and go, but eventually it may become permanent. Furthermore, the skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch. Note: Pustules are NOT pimples. Pimples have a bacterial component to their pathogenesis and are also mainly localized in and around the hair follicles.
The inflammation of rosacea can look a lot like acne, but blackheads and whiteheads are almost never present. Rosacea is a fairly common disorder -- about one in every twenty Americans is afflicted with it. Rosacea usually begins with frequent flushing of the face, particularly the nose and cheek areas. This facial flushing is caused by the swelling of the blood vessels under the skin. This redness can serve as a flag for attention. Telangiectasis is easy to recognize, characterized by the visible presence of capillaries, bright red in color. Diffuse redness frequently precedes the appearance of telangiectasis and is a constant flushed appearance. True diffuse redness is quite different from a localized erythema as seen in cases of sunburn, inflammation or over stimulation. With both telangiectasis and diffuse redness, the redness is not transitory and there generally is not an increase in skin temperature, but particularly there are no alterations in the tissue structure or biochemistry as seen in rosacea. The circulatory network of the skin is extensive and the capillaries are the smallest, most delicate vessels. During normal blood circulation the capillaries undergo constant changes. In between beats the pressure is relieved and the vessels constrict back to their normal size. This return to normal size is accomplished by the natural elasticity in the structure of the capillary. If telangiectasis is present, the capillaries' elasticity is deteriorated so they remain slightly dilated. The constant influx of blood perpetuates this slight dilation. The skin gradually becomes congested and eventually the capillaries become visible through the skin's surface. When it comes to telangiectasis, sometimes a person's lifestyle and habits can be the skin's worst enemy. In a fair, delicate skin predisposed to telangiectasis, a steady diet of hot, spicy food, chronic alcohol consumption and eating meals too quickly will promote telangiectasis. And many retinoids (chemical structure of vitamin A) used for acne as well as many harsh soaps continue to aggravate the skin. Then there's cigarette smoking, which depletes the skin of vitamin C, essential for the formation of collagen, accelerates the cross linkage of collagen and the hardening of elastin and furthermore creates a trillion free radicals, which destroy the capillary structure. Smoking, which additionally robs the skin of oxygen, is a potent initiator of telangiectasis. Also, the smoker may have a variety of medical problems such as high blood pressure, and mineral deficiencies, which can cause the appearance of telangiectasis.
Rosacea-Ltd IV can be used by those with rosacea, acne or seborrheic dermatitis skin conditions ranging from mild to severe. To view rosacea pictures of what we would consider more severe cases, consider these images ( pictures of a man's face ,and a woman's face with rosacea),
Rosacea is most common in Caucasian women between the ages of 30 and 60. However, when the disorder does occur in men, it tends to be more severe than in women, and is sometimes accompanied by rhinophyma (a nose that becomes chronically red and enlarged). Fair-skinned individuals seem to be more susceptible to this condition than darker-skinned individuals. People who flush easily, too, seem to be more prone than others to develop rosacea. Rosacea is not a life-threatening illness, but it is chronic and can be distressing for cosmetic reasons, and can cause physical discomfort.
There are many prescriptions treatment options, but one must be alert to the possible side effects of such treatments, which create additional rosacea symptoms or intensify already existing symptoms. The most common side effects of traditional prescription treatment options include skin or facial redness, rash and itching – often these are the very symptoms we are trying to address through treatment.
Over-the counter treatment options often include anti-redness cover up creams, which may help to hide or mask the facial redness but do nothing to treatment symptoms or cause of rosacea. Some rosacea products cover up better than others. Other options in natural rosacea treatments include the use of http://www.rosacea-ltd.com/acne.php3 acne treatment products to treat the pimples or papules associated with the symptoms of rosacea. These acne treatment products are often too harsh and drying for rosacea sensitive skin with the result being they cause further damage to the skin.
Treatment of rosacea is only a halfway measure. You must also address the underlying cause. Treatment alone addresses only the symptoms that exist today. Addressing the cause of rosacea is treatment to control future symptoms of rosacea.
The only truly effective way to treat the symptoms of rosacea is to address the cause by identifying the lifestyle choices that trigger or cause the symptoms of your flares. Natural treatment options include identifying your rosacea triggers and http://www.rosacea-ltd.com/aboutrosacealtd.php3 adjusting your body’s pH to reduce the acidic effects of environment factors that can lead to aggravation of symptoms as well as http://www.rosacea-ltd.com/lifestyle.php3 lifestyle choices, which increase the acidity of the body and skin.
To learn more about rosacea, click on the links below.
Definition of rosacea | Stages of rosacea | Who gets rosacea | Acne rosacea | Conditions that occur with rosacea | Ocular rosacea