"Rosacea", the Painful Blush

There are over 14 Million Americans that suffer from Rosacea and even with today's modern medicine, there is no cure. According to the National Rosacea Society, it is commonly misdiagnosed but can be improved or controlled when proper medical measures are taken.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that effects the face, neck, chest and sometimes the back. It has many stages but it is best to be diagnosed in the earliest stage when frequent episodes of redness and or facial flushing occurs, triggered by certain stimuli. General "triggers" are;

Alcohol Consumption

Skin Care Products

Hot Beverages

Exercise

Stress

Wind

Spicy Foods

Sun Exposure

Weather Changes

Hot Showers or Baths (Steam)

None of these "triggers" cause Rosacea but can and will make matters worse with most individuals. Redness is the first and most common sign of the disorder. An individual with Rosacea may look as though they are blushing or had too much sun. This redness is caused by excess blood flow, rapidly moving through blood vessels. The vessels dilate to allow movement and over a period of time, the redness becomes persistent. The skin then becomes warm to the touch and the "heat" increases the redness and discomfort. Just imagine having a sun burn ALL THE TIME!

At times, there may even be small, red pimples (known as papules or pustules) present on the face and resemble those found with severe acne. Unlike acneic skin, skin affected by Rosacea is usually quite dry and almost never has whiteheads or blackheads.

The expansion of small blood vessels eventually becomes visible on the skin's surface as thin, red lines. This is called telangiectasia. These tiny yet expanded arterial vessels especially make their presence known on the thinnest skin of the cheek and (sometimes) nose area. Severe Rosacea sufferers will have what is known as the "Butterfly Pattern". This is when the Rosacea redness appears from the jawbone to the cheekbones and across the nose. Inflammatory Rosacea initiates in this stage and features those nasty papules and pustules. DO NOT touch, pick or prod at these pests! Seek the professional help of a Dermatologist to receive appropriate medical treatments and/or medications.

It is common for individuals to ignore early signs of Rosacea and pass it off as something else like feeling hot flashes, sun burn or a blood pressure issue. If you have any signs of Rosacea, AGAIN, please make an appointment with a Dermatologist as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Using SPF "daily", all year round, will only prevent aggravation and further damage. Protecting our skin is vital to our overall good health. Keeping it moisturized from the inside out with water consumption is most important. If you are not drinking enough water, your body will show signs of dehydration with dry, sallow skin, decrease in mental performance, irritability, common aches & pains and fatigue! You KNOW who you are! Just drink between 70 and 90 ounces daily and you'll begin to see a huge difference in your divine existence.

Individuals that suffer from Rosacea have emotional issues to deal with as well. Living with the disorder causes additional stress, embarrassment and sometimes even depression. Many resort to avoiding person to person contact or public exposure due to the unsightly appearance of the disorder when inflamed. Keep in mind, no one is perfect and we all have "issues" whether they are on the outside or skin deep. Treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter what they look like. Every day, be the reason someone smiles!