Living with Rosaca

Last night while I was busy trying to decide what to write about in my bext blog, I received an email from a friend asking me about treatments for Rosacea. So, I decided to make that this week's topic. Thanks, Girl!

Rosacea is one of the most devastating conditions for men and women in today's society, affecting the look, feel, and texture of our skin. Although it characteristically attacks the facial skin, it is also found on other areas of the body as well. These areas are sometimes ignored since the blushing or flushing symptom is only found on the face. Rosacea has very well defined characteristics which include redness or flushing, as well as small papules, slight scaling, and erythematous papules. It is also sometimes called "adult acne" although, like common acne, rosacea is not primarily a plague of teenagers but most often occurs in adults (ages 30 to 50), especially those with fair skin. There are usually no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea. Furthermore, most teens eventually outgrow acne whereas patients with rosacea don't generally outgrow it. Rosacea patients tend to have a rosy or pink color to their skin as opposed to acne patients whose skin is usually less red. Rosacea consists mostly of small red bumps that are not "squeezable" or extractable like blackheads.

Now that you know how to recognize the signs of rosacea, let's talk about treatment and control options. First let me make clear that topical products for roceasa are NOT effective on vascular forms of rosacea. Topicals are only effective on the acne type symptoms of this problem, the most common being metronidazole, aka., metro-gel, a topical antibiotic. Another effective treatment, although more costly, is laser or IPL treatments which proves to be effective in both types of rosacea. These treatments may cause some discomfort. While most people are able to endure the procedure, ice packs and topical anesthetic cream can help alleviate the discomfort. Multiple treatments are typically necessary and the procedure is not covered by most insurances. Treatments are recommended in three- to six-week intervals; during this time, sun avoidance is necessary.

Last but not least, if laser is the way you decide to go, do your research! Make sure that the facility treating is physician staffed and that the person applying the technique is not only qualified but very experienced. This is so important because a laser in the wrong hands could not only aggravate your condition, but also burn the skin causing irreversible damage and scarring.

Almost everyone I know has someone in their life that has this condition so I hope that it has been informative. Thanks for reading and don't forget to share with your friends! Oh, FYI: I am now taking appointments at the Salon Professional on JFK in North Little Rock. Just call 501-753-2400 to schedule a facial, waxing, acne treatment, makeover, or electrotherapy facial.
xoxoSharon Gray
Skin Girl