Acne-Help: Rosacea - Acne Rosacea

What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is chronic skin disorder that most often affects the forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin. Groups of capillaries close the surface of the skin become dilated, resulting in blotchy red areas with small bumps and sometimes, pustules. The redness can come and go, but eventually may become permanent. The skin tissue may swell and thicken, and may be tender and sensitive to touch. The inflammation of rosacea can look a great deal like acne, but it tends to be more chronic. It is a fairly common disorder, but often incorrectly diagnosed. Rosacea usually begins with frequent flushing of the face, particularly of the nose and cheeks. The condition sometimes seems to calm down, but without correct management, will become permanent.
(From: Prescription for Nutritional healing, Balch & Balch, Published by Avery)

What Causes Rosacea?
Rosacea usually develops in middle age and its cause remains unknown.. Rosacea is invariably aggravated by extremes of temperature, sunlight (sufferers must take every precaution to avoid undue exposure to strong UV light), alcohol, very hot drinks and spicy foods. Stress, vitamin deficiencies and infection can be contributing factors. In short, anything that causes the already congested and weakened blood vessels of the face to dilate even further, and the skins sensitive surface to become irritated and inflamed. However, what may aggravate one person’s condition may have no effect on another. For self-help, individuals can usually identity the aggravator and make necessary changes to eliminate/control the trigger:

Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.
In recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70 percent said the disorder had adversely affected their professional interactions, and nearly 30 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition.

Any one of the following warning signs is a signal for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:
o Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
o Small visible blood vessels on the face.
o Bumps or pimples on the face.
o Watery or irritated eyes.
(Information Source: National Rosacea Society)

Anyone past the age of puberty can get it, but rosacea most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 to 60, and may be seen in women experiencing hormonal changes associated with menopause. Women are more frequently affected than men; the most severe cases, however, are seen in men. Fair complexioned individuals of Northern European descent are most likely to be at risk from rosacea; most appear to be pre-disposed to flushing and blushing.

Women are more likely to get rosacea on the cheeks and chin, but men are more likely to get rosacea on the nose.

Usual Treatment
In severe cases, a long-term course of tetracycline may be prescribed, although, as with acne, when treatment is stopped the spots may reappear, triggered by a vigorous rebound action. As a last resort, Accutane may be prescribed. Again, reoccurrence can result on cessation of the medication.
Sufferers can also try to control the flushing of rosacea with the following tips:
Environmental Factors: exposure to sun, wind and sudden temp changes should be avoided.

Hormonal Influences: menopausal flushing will sometimes affect women in their late forties and early fifties. A hormone replacement therapy may be helpful.

Diet: Some foods and drinks will cause flushing attacks eg, spicy foods, and even fermented, pickled, marinated foods. Alcoholic drinks will cause flushing in susceptible people.

Stress: Rosacea sufferers tend to flush easily in certain situations particularly those that cause nervousness, anxiety, tenseness or embarrassment. Use relaxation and breathing control to help cope with stress. Exercise can also help to relieve stress and unwind tension.

Supplemennts
Supplements can be very helpful in helping control rosacea.
Use under the guidance of a practioner: L-glutamine, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitaman A, Vitamin B complex, Extra Vitamin B12, Multivitamin and mineral complex, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C with bioflavinoids. As an alternative to taking these supplements, The Sher System has recently launched a Skin Support Formula which provides a carefully balanced program of vitamins, minerals, herbs and probiotics for full skin support.It works by helping to maintain normal digestion, blood sugar balance, skin nourishment and good elimination.