ROSACEA

Rosacea is a common rash, normally found on the central part of the face of a middle aged person. A tendency to flush easily is followed by persistent redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, and by crops of small inflamed red bumps and pus spots. Although it is one of the most common skin disorders, rosacea remains undiagnosed in millions of people around the globe. In fact, most people remain completely unaware of this potentially life-disruptive condition. Although it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems, rosacea goes largely unrecognised, and more importantly, untreated. Rosacea can cause a red-faced look and its effects are often mistaken for acne or alcohol abuse. Severe symptoms of rosacea can result in self-confidence and self-esteem issues, with those afflicted cancelling both social and professional engagements due to sudden flare-ups.

WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA

The cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but latest research suggests that the defect lies in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily. Rosacea is more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily.

Many things seem to make rosacea worse, but probably do not cause it in the first place. These include alcohol, too much exercise, both high and low temperatures, hot spicy foods, stress, and sunlight. Things that stir up one’s rosacea may well have no effect at all on the rosacea of someone else. The idea that rosacea is due to germs in the skin, or in the bowel, has not been proved.

Rosacea is not contagious. Rosacea does seem to run in some families but it is still not clear whether heredity plays a big part in this. Most common Rosacea trigger is Sun exposure. Making a broad spectrum sun screen of 30+ as part of your day to day skin care.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA

The skin of the face feels sensitive, and can burn or sting. Flushing adds to the embarrassment caused by the rash. Please consult your doctor if you have problems with your eyes. Rosacea starts with a tendency to blush and flush easily. After a while, the central areas of the face become a deeper shade of red and end up staying this colour all the time. The area becomes studded with small red bumps and pus spots, which come and go in crops. Small dilated blood vessels appear, looking like thin red streaks. Scarring is seldom a problem. Other problems with rosacea are of psychological nature: Rosacea can lead to embarrassment, anxiety, or depression, and a disrupted social life. The face may swell (lymphoedema), especially around the eyes. The nose may grow big, red and bulbous (rhinophyma) due to the overgrowth of the sebaceous glands. This is more common in men than women. Some people with rosacea have eye symptoms (red, itchy, sore eyes and eyelids; a gritty feeling; sensitivity to light). A few patients with rosacea have more serious eye problems, such as rosacea keratitis, that can interfere with vision.

HOW WILL ROSACEA BE DIAGNOSED?

Rosacea is diagnosed by visual inspection. There are no diagnostic laboratory tests. Rosacea differs from acne in that the skin is not extra-greasy; blackheads and scarring are not features; flushing is common; and there is a background of red skin but no infectious processes.

CAN ROSACEA BE CURED?

No treatment so far can cure rosacea. However long-term treatments control symptoms and can clear the spots. Treatment works best if started when rosacea is at an early stage. Light therapies or chemical peels can be very helpful with the blushing effect of rosacea and help to manage the outburst.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE DAY TO DAY CREAMS?

Topical creams used daily will help to reduce the signs and symptoms of rosecea, but you need to use a cream that has medically proven ingredients that will do that. Used in conjunction with alternative treatments you will get better results. At Defyne we recommend Synchrorose. Synchrorose is a medically developed and tested product which is proven to reduce reddened skin, controls inflammatory chemical release, increases tolerance thresholds, protects vein structure and encourages veins to repair and replace with new ones.

For more information, science, medical proof and more testimonials from successful users visit www.synchrorose.co.uk