Those with this face rash condition will often will be asked if there are unwell, hot or blushing, No single cause for Rosacea has been identified but recent researched has suggested a number of potential triggers for this skin condition. Without knowing what causes Rosacea specifically it can be difficult to treat. This often leads to undo stress and depression in those who worry about their appearance which will often make the condition worse. Luckily many of the possible causes and factors involved that aggravate Rosacea are responsive to treatment. With some medical assistance the patient can dramatically reduce the impact the skin disorder by identifying the Rosacea triggers and having treatment prescribed accordingly, It affects approximately 3% of the population of European decent, women 3 times more than men and the peak of on set is between 30 and 60 years old. It will initially start as redness to primarily to the centre part of the face although it can involve the eyelids, forehead and scalp. As mentioned, there often will be no identifiable single cause but there are many lifestyle, diet and environmental factors, that are linked to aggravating skin conditions. Also a skin mite called Demodex, that hangs out in hair follicles and skin cells has been found in higher numbers in those suffering from Rosacea.
Before and After 3 treatments
There are four main sub types and variants of these. Often one sub type will exist along with another. The trend is for the gradual change from redness to developed broken vessels with acne-like bumps and pustules in the area and often accompanied with dry, gritty, red eyes and eyelids. In the more advanced stages the skin becomes very red, thickened, with irregular surface and nodular changes, creating distortion of the tissue in particular the nose (Rhinophyma). Fortunately most seek help before this advanced stage has a chance to develop.
AGGREVATORS /TRIGGERS
Any factors that cause episodes of flushing or blushing play a role in the development of Rosacea. There does not appear to be a genetic marker. The primary factors are as follows:
- Chronic and excessive sun exposure (>75%)
- Emotion stress (>75%)
- Heat
- Wind
- Excessive exercise
- Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, high histamine foods (Red wine, aged cheese and cured meats)
Less intense factors
- Skin care products
- Cosmetics
- Medications
In other words a huge spectrum of possibilities! Topical irritant procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, acne and wrinkle treatments, and topical uses that have Vitamin A, Benzyl Peroxide and Steroid based nasal sprays, and topical creams for other conditions such as Seborrhea Dermatitis, are all known potential triggers.
Unfortunately elimination or avoiding these triggers will not reverse or have any significant impact on the actual process of the diseased once established.
A WORD ABOUT INTESTINAL FLORA AND MITES
There has been some support with scientific studies to suggest that those with GI problems (i.e. stomach infections with heliobacter) peptic ulcer disease and Rosacea have a common denominator. As the GI conditions are treated with anti-biotic and mucous anti-inflammatory products, the rosacea improves.
Also as far back as late 1990 a class of skin mites “Demodex “was found in large numbers particularly with men suffering from rosacea. It is believed it is the several strains of bacteria from the feces of these mites which triggers an auto immune response prompting an inflammatory infective reaction from the infested skin cells and hair follicles.
The individual’s reactions to their mites are dependent on their general health and defense mechanisms of the skin, environmental l factors and the overall health of the auto immune system.
These bacteria carrying mites have also been associated with types of eczema and an auto immune disease called Lupus.
TREATMENTS
It makes sense that with a skin disease that is multi factorial including so many potential triggers as well as bacteria from Demodex mites that any hope for control for a “cure” involves a multi prong treatment protocol. Dermatologists now have a war chest involving better options for skincare, safer sunscreens and topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The Gold Standard of treatment for the vascular damage that evolves has been specific laser treatments.
The Intense Pulse Light Laser (IPL) offer the “cure” for Rosacea sufferers when treatments starts in the earlier phases. Some natural products that are helpful have been incorporated into skincare lines. Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, and B vitamin to mention a few.
LIFE STYLE AND DIETARY REMEDIES
- The most obvious is to control sun exposure and continuing damage
- Avoiding excessive heat and wind as well as sauna treatments and excessive exercise.
- Overall stress reduction by incorporating yoga, tai chi and mediations methods in your lifestyle.
- Avoiding spicy foods, coffee, garlic and onions.
- Adding more Vitamin C and Vitamin B foods to your diet to promote healthier skin.
- Avoid smoking which decreases the skins defence systems and increases the vascular disease of the skin.
- Avoiding alcohol which causes gut damage and capillary damage.
Laser and Skin Care Medspa is able to provide a full complement of treatment that will involve an accurate diagnosis along with sub typing, appropriate products for cleaning, hydrating, protecting and nourishing the face. We can also provide effective laser treatments (for most the “cure”) of this distressing skin condition.
The Laser and Skin Care Medspa war chest includes water based Jane Iredale Makeup which offers excellent coverage while protecting, controlling infection and supporting the healing processes. Alyria and Revoderm anti redness creams soothe and calm inflamed skin.
The Palomar/Cynosure laser system provides an economical efficient removal of the vascular damage.
The best news is Rosacea does not need to control your life or make you feel bad!
Your consultation is covered by Alberta Health Care.