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The facts about Rosacea

The Condition

Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face.  Often referred to as adult acne, Rosacea often begins with as a tendency to flush or blush easily and it progresses to persistent redness in the centre of the face that gradually involves the cheeks, forehead and chin.  As the disease progresses small capillaries and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area.  Unlike acne, there are no comedones or milia.  When first developing, it may come and go on its own, then when the skin starts to stay reddened and pimples and enlarged blood vessels become visible, it will need clinical treatment.

The pimples cause a watery pus and the skin is usually accompanied by trans-epidermal water loss and possibly seborrhoea.  A more advanced condition, called Rhinophyma, usually affects males rather than females and involves the development of a bulbous nose and puffy cheeks.  Sometimes, with Rosacea, the eyes become gritty and reoccurring conjunctivitis can become problematic.

Children do not get Rosacea and woman are more prone to it, than men.  It has been associated with menopause but this is not proven.  Similarly, some research indicates the presence of a small mite, (Dermodex Folliculorum) in some patients with Rosacea but not in others.  There is also some evidence to suggest that an impaired gut function may be causative (maybe from taking long term antibiotics) but again this is not sufficiently researched to be definitive.  What we do know however is that everyone who suffers from Rosacea is fair skinned and usually a Fitzpatrick 1 or 2, with some type of damage to the acid mantle, the protective coating of the epidermal skin layers.

Rosacea is a frustrating condition but with time and effort it is possible to lesson the external symptoms and in some cases eradicate the problem.  By using a Danne prescriptives ‘in clinic’ and ‘at home’ system and incorporating Intense Pulsed Light we can achieve measurable success with this frustrating problem.

Rosacea sufferers can also make things a little easier on themselves by avoiding certain trigger factors.  Although hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine do not cause Rosacea they can certainly aggravate it and should be taken in moderation, if at all.  It is also extremely important to wear a sunblock and avoid extremes of hot and cold and these will have a negative effect on the skin.  Avoid vigorous rubbing or scrubbing of the skin and exfoliants are an absolute no no.  Avoid products and cosmetics containing perfumes and other synthetic ingredients and use hair spray sparingly.

Danne Products recommended:

Deep Pore Cleanser
Herb and Mineral Mist
Beta Gel / Vit C
Betagen (Daytime)
Biogen C and Contraderm (Nightime)
EFA Capsules (3 a day)

For more information on how to treat rosacea or to book a free consultation, call us today on 0113 282 3300.