Rosacea Can Be A Debilitating Condition But, It Doesn’t Have To Be!

Most people don’t consider a skin issue like Rosacea to be a debilitating condition, but, according to The National Rosacea Society’s website, Rosacea.org:

“more than 76 percent of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported that it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, 88 percent said the disorder had adversely affected their professional interactions, and 51 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition.”

These are unfortunate statistics, yet understandable given what Rosacea can do to the facial skin, and how important appearance is in our culture today.

If you’re not sure what Rosacea is, it’s an incurable skin condition that can cause redness around the eyes, cheeks and nose, and sometimes around the scalp, neck and ears as well.  In some forms, Rosacea can cause itchy, watery eyes along with dry, rough skin.  If left untreated Rosacea can develop further and create bumps and pimples as well as a swelling of the nose called rhinophyma.

Generally, Rosacea affects women more than men, but really,  it knows no boundaries.  It’s not usually triggered until the person is in their 30s or later, and, those with fair skin or who are prone to flushing/blushing are more at risk of developing the condition in the first place.

Rosacea is a condition that luckily isn’t always present though and is usually characterized by flare ups and remissions.  This doesn’t mean that dealing with flare ups is easy; it’s quite the opposite in fact.  But, with treatment it’s often possible to both create longer periods where the condition is in remission as well as reduce the symptoms during flare ups.

Because everyone is different and because Rosacea has affected people for many many years, there are quite a few different treatments from “folk remedies” to prescription medications that have brought relief to Rosacea patients.  One of the biggest things to consider for Rosacea sufferers though is skin care products and how they’re used.

Skin care products and make up used by anyone with Rosacea  must be very gentle; there are even products like Sevani’s Ageless Radiance AHA Cleanser that are recommended for use by people with Rosacea.  This is because the ingredients used in these skin care products are not only gentle enough to be used by individuals with this skin sensitivity but, they’re also formulated to sooth the skin and reduce inflammation and redness; ideal for those with Rosacea!

During flare ups, natural skin care products and concealer can be used to help mask the redness and bumps on the face.  Again, the make up chosen must be gentle enough not to exacerbate the issues already present.  Dr Schrammek’s Blemish Balm is another product that although not formulated only for Rosacea sufferers, is ideal to use because it not only conceals the current red marks and pimples, but, it also helps heal the skin and reduce scarring.

How those with Rosacea use skin care products is important too.  When washing, apply the cleanser gently with your hands or a soft cotton cloth, never something rough.  Then, when rinsing, be sure to use lukewarm water and gently blot your face dry, again with a soft cotton towel.

Same is true for applying make up and creams; being gentle is the key.  Also, consider using natural bristle brushes and applicators whenever possible.

From here, Rosacea sufferers are encouraged to keep a daily account of events, foods eaten, etc along with notations about flare ups.  Often links can be found between environmental, emotional, nutritional or other issues that then lead to a person’s Rosacea flaring up.  Once discovered, patients can then work to diminish or eliminate these events to help in keeping their condition in remission.

There are over a million people in the US alone that suffer from Rosacea, so, if you’re one of them know you’re not alone.  And, know that there are natural treatments that can help manage Rosacea and keep it at bay.  If you have or even if you think you have Rosacea and want to talk more about it with a licensed aesthetician, give us a call or send us an email.  We offer free consultations in our office or via phone/Skype and would be glad to assist you with treatment options and more!