Face Facts

ROSACEA!

By Nicole Endsley

 

Defined as a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids, Rosacea affects well over 16 million people yet there is no cure. Of that 16 million, most people don’t know they have it and 78 percent of all Americans have no clue how to spot it. So, here I am giving you the run down on Rosacea. It is possible to diagnose it yourself, but the wise decision would be to seek professional help, Rosacea can also appear on the chest and those with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disease is more frequently diagnosed in women, but more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men. Common signs of Rosacea are bulbous nose or bloodshot eyes, burning or stinging, dry appearance, plaques, swelling, skin thickening, visible blood vessels, persistent redness and flushing, and bumps and pimples.

The four types of Rosacea are all unique. Subtype 1 is characterized by simple flushing persistent blood vessels. Subtype 2 is persistent redness with bumps and pimples. Subtype 3 has skin thickening, usually resulting in a larger nose. Lastly, Subtype 4 has dry eyes, tearing or burning, swollen eyelids, and potential sight loss from corneal damage.

Rosacea may be incurable, but it is controllable. At times, dermatologists will begin a treatment with oral and topical medication for immediate control, but then continue to use only a medical medication to maintain progress. Not only does medication work, but gentle skin care regimens helps to control the disease as well. It is suggested that the face is cleaned with a mild and nonabrasive cleanser, rinsing with lukewarm water then blotting the face dry being sure to never pull or tug at the skin with anything rough.

For those wanting to cover their Rosacea with makeup, here are a few tips. Make sure the face is always cleansed, moisturized, and sun block is used. Sun is the number one irritating factor that will worsen Rosacea. Also, keep in mind the words your mom always said: less is more. When using concealer or foundation you want something thin, oil-free and with a green tint to reduce the redness. For a matte finish, mineral powder is ideal. Also, go easy on the blush and stay away from red lipstick.

Coping with and managing your Rosacea can be difficult, but if precaution is taken regularly it can be done. Always protect your face from the sun; extreme weather and wind have been known to aggravate the disease. Stay in a cool environment in the summer and cover up with a scarf in the winter. Also, don’t forget to moisturize. A good diet and exercise is a great way to combat Rosacea. Stay away from spicy or hot foods. It is common for people to become red or flushed after drinking too much, so watch your alcoholic intake. When exercising, keep it short and simple with multiple 15-minute workouts a day. Try to exercise indoors and stay as cool as possible.

If you have concerns as to whether you have Rosacea or not, find a doctor or physician in your area right away and help get this disease under control. To learn more about this disease, go to Rosacea.org and until then always use sunscreen.

Skin Facts

• Your skin is considered the largest organ in the human body.
• Your skin is made up of three major layers – epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (also called the subcutaneous tissue).
• Your skin protects your inside organs while keeping infections out and prevents you from getting sick.
• Your skin loses about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells from the surface almost every minute, even though you do not see it happening.
• Your skin sheds a layer of these dead cells every 24 hours and renews itself about every 28 days.
• Your skin swells when it absorbs water.
• Your skin contains a protein called keratin which is also found in hair and nails
• Your skin is the thinnest on the eyelid.
• Goose bumps are actually little pimples that help retain a layer of warm air over our body.

Did you know?

• One person dies every hour from skin cancer
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer
• 85% of all aging is due to sun damage
• Skin cancer in women under the age of 40 has tripled in the past 30 years
• Five sunburns doubles a woman’s chance of getting skin cancer
• UV exposure at tanning salons is just as risky as sunbathing outside
• People with fair skin that burns rather than tans, people who have red hair, and people with blue eyes are at greater risk of developing skin cancer
• People who have extensive freckling on their upper back are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer
• People who have a history of sunburns, especially during childhood, are at a greater risk for skin cancer
• The depletion of the ozone layer may be significantly affecting the incidence of melanoma
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun between 10 am and 3 pm and exposure at high altitudes are the most dangerous times to be exposed to the sun
• Those with an impaired immune system–especially those who have had an organ transplant, leukemia, or lymphoma–are at a great risk of melanoma

• According to one study, the use of a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher during the first 18 years of life would cut lifetime risk of melanoma by 78%