Rosacea

Do You Suffer from Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition, affecting as many as 14 million Americans, says Dr. Anna Rosinska of Body Focus Laser and Longevity. “80% of sufferers are not aware that they have this condition,” she notes.

Many people with rosacea believe they just have problematic complexion with a tendency to blush. Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned women age 30-50, but it’s also seen in men and people with dark skin. The condition is characterized by flashing of the face for no apparent reason, persistent redness and frequent breakouts. Most severe form of rosacea causes deformity of the nose and affects only men. Famous people such as former president Bill Clinton, Princess Diana and W. C. Fields have had this condition.

Rosacea may also affect the eyes. If your eyes are irritated, watery and appear bloodshot, you could be suffering from ocular rosacea, which untreated may lead to corneal damage and vision loss. If you have been treated for eye allergies with no success, Dr. Rosinska suggests you contact your ophthalmologist.

Researchers recently have discovered what they believe is the main cause of rosacea, an excess of a naturally synthesized peptide in the skin that promotes the formation of new capillaries. Rosacea sufferers have 1000 times the normal level of this peptide.

Sun exposure is a most common trigger, says Dr. Rosinska, but you must choose your sunscreen carefully. Chemical sunscreens offer highly protective SPF of 30 or more, but may irritate the already sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less irritating but have a lower SPF rating. Dr. Rosinska’s office carries a new formula of sunscreen with micronized zinc oxide, which offers high degree of protection without irritation.

Smoking, spicy food, hot drinks, alcohol and exposure to extreme cold and hot temperatures may worsen flushing and should be eliminated. It is also wise to avoid harsh skin scrubs, astringents and glycolic acids. Wash your face with an acidic cleanser from a physician’s line of skin care. Most OTC cleansers and all bar soaps are alkaline, but in order to prevent bacterial growth, skin pH must be kept acidic.

Prevention is the best treatment, says Dr. Rosinska, so observing the above-listed precautions can help relieve symptoms and disease flares.

“It is also a good idea to identify triggers,” says Dr. Rosinska. “We can test for food allergies and additives sensitivities as well as for certain vitamins and antioxidants deficiency in a test called Spectrox.”

Supplementation of antioxidants such as CoQ10 and gluten-free diet has been helpful in many cases. Laser technology in form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has shown remarkable success. IPL targets the red capillaries and eliminates redness, flushing and inflammation. This gentle photofacial is performed in 3 to 5 monthly treatments of 15-20 minutes. Treatments are painless and there is no downtime involved.

Other treatments are also available, so call Body Focus today for an appointment.