Rosacea is a chronic medical skin condition marked by outbreaks of redness, bumps and pimples primarily on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Sometimes mistaken for sunburn, adult acne or other temporary complexion problems, rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) affects an estimated 14 million Americans.

If left untreated, even early mild cases of rosacea can become progressively worse, and can have a “substantial impact both physically, and on people’s emotional, social and professional lives,” says Dr. Larry Millikan, chairman of dermatology at Tulane University, as quoted on www.rosacea.org.
 
Though its underlying causes are unknown, rosacea generally appears after the age of 30, and is marked by flare-ups and remissions of flushing or redness. And while rosacea does not discriminate, fair-skinned people who tend to flush or blush easily are at greatest risk. "The good news is that, while rosacea cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes," says Dr. Millikan.

Key to managing rosacea symptoms until a cure is found is a regimen of medical therapy and lifestyle changes. Dermatologists can diagnose the skin condition, and offer effective rosacea treatments with a wide variety of oral and topical medications, available by prescription only.

Lifestyle changes, on the other hand, are the patient’s responsibility. Knowing what factors trigger flare-ups and what choices soothe and reduce inflammation is the first step toward healthier skin.

As a rule, foods, beverages or strenuous activities that cause sufferers to flush, can trigger flare-ups.

Rosacea is Triggered By:

• Spicy and acidic foods
  
• Extreme heat, cold and wind
  
• Hot coffee and tea
  
• Heavy exercise and over exertion
  
• Emotional stress
  
• Exposure to the sun
  
• Alcohol consumption
  
• Harsh makeup and skin care products

Rosacea Skin Relief

Today, people suffering with rosacea have many skin care options to improve the health and look of their skin. Softer, gentler topical medications, gels and serums are soothing alternatives to traditional heavy creams and ointments.

These new and innovative skin care products, developed and approved by the medical community, are available from dermatologists, skin care specialists and reputable spas and salons.

Rosacea sufferers benefit from spa facials and exfoliation when mild cleansers, toners, masks, scrubs and lotions developed specifically for their skin condition are used. People need to ask about the spa’s skin care products and insist on the use of only those products developed for rosacea skin.

When they seek medical attention, choose healthy lifestyles and treat their skin respectfully with medically approved skin care products, rosacea sufferers can have skin they’re proud to show off.

Helpful rosacea resources:
The National Rosacea Society, www.rosacea.org
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, www.niams.nih.gov