Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness that typically affects the chin, nose, forehead and cheeks. About 50% of sufferers also have eye irritation. Symptoms include redness and broken capillaries on the cheeks and around the nasal area.
It typically starts at around age 30 and affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. More than 2 million Canadians suffer from it. Women are three times more likely to suffer from rosacea than men.
The famous can’t escape it either, Bill Clinton and Princess Diana struggled with rosacea.
Rosaceas is not a form of acne, nor does the sufferer suffer from alcoholism, alcohol merely triggers it. For those suffering from rosaceas, it can be extremely embarrassing and interfere with social engagements. Many sufferers often have lowered self-esteem.
There is no known cause or cure.
Symptoms of Rosacea
- A tendency to blush easily and redness on areas of the face.
- A very sensitive skin that reacts by stinging and burning easily when using most skin care products.
- Tiny visible blood vessels on the cheeks and the nose.
- Inflamed areas with red bumps and pimples.
- Watery or bloodshot eyes.
- Dry skin
- Facial swelling
Four Types of Rosacea
Facial redness
A flushed complexion that is red with visible blood vessels. This is mild rosacea.
Pimples and bumps
Inflamed areas with pimple-like bumps. This is moderate rosacea.
Enlargement of the nose
Skin thickening and redness. This is severe rosacea.
Ocular rosacea
Irritation of the eye, redness and dry or watery eyes. In some cases, styes can develop and corneal damage might even occur.
Causes of Rosacea
Rosaceas is often hereditary, but these factors may aggravate the condition.
- Extreme temperatures; sun, very dry hot weather and extreme cold weather.
- Alcohol, spicy foods, stress, skin care, certain medications and vitamins such as niacin, excess exercise, hot showers, hot drinks.
- Exposure to UVA and UVB rays worsens rosaceas. It is therefore advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30+. Avoid the sun whenever possible.
Treatment Options
Metronidazole
This is a topical agent with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness.
Isotretinoin
This is taken orally and only used if no relief is experienced with oral antibiotics.
Tretinoin cream
This usually works better with milder forms of rosaceas.
Treatment at Mederm Esthetics & Laser
We have excellent treatment options here at our clinic!
Laser Photo Rejuvenation
Using Palomar Starlux 500, it improves the overall complexion while correcting freckles, rosaceas, uneven skin tone, redness, hyperpigmentation and sunspots.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is used to transform your skin to a beautiful, clean, youthful complexion.
We hope these tips inspire you to realize that there are options out there to manage your condition!
Please call or email Mederm Esthetics about our services or to schedule your consultation.
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