For many with rosacea, maintaining clear skin is a chronic battle. Though rosacea can be tricky to handle, the experts at the National Rosacea Society say that with the right medical support and advice, rosacea can be controlled. So this April, in the spirit of Rosacea Awareness Month, here are some tips on controlling this ever-elusive condition.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea, a facial skin condition affecting over 16 million Americans, is little understood. Rosacea can manifest as flushing across the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. The redness can also appear in conjunction with dilated, visible capillaries or rash-like patches. In most extreme cases, eyes can become chronically irritated and watery. Affected flushed skin can feel sensitive, dry or sunburned—resulting in a burning or stinging sensation.
Though it’s not harmful to one’s health, rosacea affects the face. And as many might know first-hand, facial problems can be a cause for emotional stress and anxiety. For this reason, the National Rosacea Society aims to educate the public about rosacea—emphasizing the importance of professional diagnosis and treatment. “People need to know rosacea is a chronic disorder that can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle modifications,” Dr. Odom said. “This can substantially improve the quality of their lives.”
The National Rosacea Society reports that 76% of patients say that rosacea negatively affects their confidence and self-esteem, and 41% have even confessed to missing work and social engagements because of their appearance. These numbers demonstrate just how important it is to get rosacea under control before it runs rampant and becomes more than cosmetically damaging.
Avoiding Triggers
Are you a rosacea patient suffering from the redness, bumps, and sensitized skin? Have you tried avoiding foods, creams, and skin treatments to prevent future flare-ups? Here are some common triggers that rile up redness.
- Avoid alcohol: Approximately 72% of rosacea patients say that red wine is the biggest alcoholic trigger. 31% say that just one drink causes a flare-up, the same percentage say that only half a drink will cause a flare-up, and 15% experience a flare-up after only a sip or two.
- Control your environment: Other common triggers are environmental extremes. The biting cold or a sharp breeze can trigger flare-ups. To ward off dry, sensitive skin, sunblock and moisturizers are recommended.
- Don’t get too warm: Some rosacea patients find that a rise in body temperature causes a flare-up. Common problem-makers are extreme indoor heating, hot steamy baths, and saunas.
- Watch your ingredients: Spicy foods are a common trigger for many. But for those who love their flavors and can’t imagine a life without spice, look for some savory alternatives.
Reducing Redness
While the cause of rosacea is largely unknown, there’s evidence showing that rosacea can be calmed with laser treatment. Two common laser treatments used by rosacea patients are Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Facials.
IPL applies broad-spectrum light to your skin, while Laser Facials heat your dermis, which sits directly below your epidermis, or outermost skin layer. Both treatments can reduce blotchy skin by diminishing redness and improving overall skin tone. How do they work? Both treatments penetrate the skin, heating up the capillaries and causing them to collapse. They are naturally broken down and reabsorbed by the body. For prominent individual capillaries, laser vein treatment can also help.
Through a series of treatments, rosacea patients can enjoy calmer, healthier skin. Have questions on IPL treatments and laser facials? Schedule a consultation with our team.
