Health Watch By Sherry Mullenix

The North Jefferson News



Rosacea (roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but little known disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Ameri-cans.

While rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the population of baby boomers enter the susceptible ages, a recent survey found that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it, and what to do about it.

The condition causes redness and pimples on the nose, cheek, chin and forehead. The redness may come and go. Some people call rosacea “adult acne,” because the outbreaks look something like acne. It can also cause burning and soreness in the eyes and eyelids.

Rosacea can be embarrassing. Recent surveys have recorded that nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said the condition had lowered the self-confidence and self-esteem. Over 41 percent of those affected by the condition had said they avoided public contact, or cancelled some social engagement due to the condition. A whopping 30 percent of those affected said they have missed days at work due to the condition.

Medical professionals and researchers are not sure what causes rosacea. It tends to affect individuals who have fair or light colored skin, or who blush easily. It also tends to run in families.

Rosacea often flares when something causes the blood vessels in the face to expand, which causes the redness. Things that cause a flare-up are called triggers.

Common triggers are exercise, sun and wind exposure, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol and hot baths. Swings in temperature from hot to cold or cold to hot also tend to cause flare-ups of the condition.



What are the symptoms?

• A flushed face and pimples or bumps on or around the cheeks, nose, mouth and forehead. Sometimes the flushing or redness can last for days.

• Tiny red veins on the face that look like spider webs.

• Burning or stinging facial skin, especially when applying lotions or medications to the face (the feeling similar to a sunburn).

• Dry, red, irritated eyes. The eyelids may look red and swollen, and vision may be blurry. It not treated this can lead to serious eye problems.



How can it be treated?

Doctors can prescribe medications and other treatments for rosacea. There is no known cure, so treatment for most people is to control the symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse.

Antibiotic creams and pills may be used to treat the redness and pimples. Antibiotics are often prescribed when there is involvement of the eye. If your physician prescribes this therapy for you, keep the faith — it can take a month or two before you start to see improvement.

Stronger medications may be tried if antibiotics don’t control the rosacea. Examples of products are Accutane (isotretinoin) or Retin-A (tretinion). These medications are not without some serious side effects, and in some cases may not be covered by some insurance plans.

Surgery or other treatment may help your skin look better if you have advanced rosacea.



How can you prevent rosacea?

There are things you can do to reduce the symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse, but that’s about all.

• Skin care: Use soap, lotions and cosmetics made for sensitive skin that do not contain alcohol, are not abrasive, and will not clog the pores. Avoid rubbing the face.

• Use sunscreen: It’s important to protect your face from skin exposure.

• Eye care: Apply warm compresses several times a day. Gently wash your eyelids with a product made for the eyes.

• Minimize stress in your life

• Use a moisturizer during the winter. Protect your face from dryness. Wear a scarf over your cheeks and nose to help protect your skin from the cold and wind.

• Identify triggers: Make a list of your daily potential triggers when you have a flare up and avoid triggers.

While there is no cure for rosacea, things can be done to minimize the impact on your life and slow if not prevent the progression.

If you feel you suffer from this condition, a dermatologist is your best source of treatment and information. More information can be found on the web at www.rosacea.org.

Sherry Mullenix (J.D., R.N.) co-owns The Pharmacy in Mount Olive with her husband, Steve Mullenix (R.Ph). They can be reached at 631-1201.