January 01 2012

What is Rosacea?

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Rosacea is non-transmittable skin disease that usually is common in Caucasian and those Fair Skinned Women that falls between the ages 30 to 60 years old. It is otherwise known as the “adult acne”. Rosacea is idiopathic, wherein up to now the etiology of it is still unknown.  At this point in time, there is still no cure for this disease. However, it is not dangerous. Its symptoms can be managed by medication and sometimes surgery. Triggering Factors consist of genetics, emotional factors, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, spicy foods, cold wind, hot baths, and hormonal factors especially women who are in their menopausal stage. It is also common to people who easily blushes.

Occurring mostly in the face and sometimes in the upper chest and neck, people inflicted with the disease most often manifests flushing of the face, which last for several days, tiny red veins on the face that appears somewhat like a spider webs or medically labeled as “telangiectasis”, burning sensation, drier than usual face, sensitive and sometimes dry, red irritating eyes, particularly conjunctiva, also known as Ocular Rosacea.  In some people, they manifest what medically is termed as “rhinophyma” or occurring as a red, bulbous nose.  It occurs into three phases, namely:  Pre Rosacea, Vascular Rosacea, and Inflammatory Rosacea. The disease begins with Pre Rosacea, wherein the person undergoes periodic flushing of the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, around the mouth, and forehead. People don’t immediately seek medical advice during the initial stage because people mistakenly associate it with sunburn. Hence, causing the delay of treatment which later on proceeds to the next stage, which is the Vascular Rosacea. It is also termed as Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea. In this stage, signs that are apparent are the visible tiny red veins or blood vessels at the nose and cheeks. There is also continuous flushing of the face. It may also be go along with oily skin and dandruff. If still left untreated, the disease progresses to the third stage, also known as the Inflammatory Rosacea. Here is when the pustules and papules become more evident, hence it is sometimes called as Papulopustular Rosacea. The pustules and papules here are not synonymous to acnes and require a different kind of treatment and management. Other people have Phymatous Rosacea, which affects the nose, and Ocular Rosacea, affecting the eyes per se.

If you think you’ve got the signs and symptoms presented above or have been diagnosed with Rosacea, we highly recommend that you see your dermatologist as soon as possible. They are highly specialized in treating such skin diseases. They are here to help you manage the symptoms. Prompt treatment produces far better results than delaying it. Second, you should be vigilant on the things or occurrences that trigger your disease.  We suggest that you write a diary when you flare up or are producing the signs and symptoms. Third, use sunscreen.  Preferably, pick a sunscreen having SPF 15 or higher.  Lastly, be gentle with your skin.

 

January 28 2012

Laser Treatment for Rosacea

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Since the 1960s, laser treatment has paved its way in the medical surgical field.  A laser produces a beam of light by exciting atoms and causing these atoms to radiate their energy. It works through the application of energy to these subatomic particles, which in turn puts them into an excited phase. Then this energy is released and produced in formed particles of intense focusing of light. This light produces heat and this heat in turn destroys tissues affected by this condition.

This advance technology is usually used in the severe or advance stage of the disease wherein medications can no longer treat it. It works by producing light waves targeting the tissues, particularly the swollen blood vessels, which are damaged by the disease.  As the skin recuperates, the face will initially bruise. Yet, rest assured that this will eventually fades and the skin will return back to its normal healthier state.

There are actually different types of laser treatment, among these, there are two types generally used in the surgical field. One is Pulse Dye Laser and the other one is Intense Pulse Light. These are the most widely used treatment as of today.

The Pulse Dye Laser is used to minimize flushing and the swelling of the blood vessels. It relieves dryness of the skin, itchiness, and burning sensation. It uses traditional technology. The session usually last for three that is spaced into six to eight weeks apart. The Intense Pulse Light, on the meanwhile, is the newest technology. It has positive outcome in treating severe acne, dilated blood vessels, and flushing of the face. One advantage when one uses this kind of technology is that it doesn’t bruise the face. It heats broken capillaries to the point of annihilation. For first timers, there is usually mild discomfort when undergoing such treatment.  Rest assured, this is only brief sensation felt with every treatment. Aside from this treatment, there is also other treatment that can offer the same therapeutic effects, such of these are ND: YAG laser, diode laser, CO2 laser, and Erbium: YAG Laser.

It is important to consider that this is not the cure for this condition. It is also essential to note that not everyone can undergo this remedy. Those who have diabetes and having clotting disorders are not advisable to undergo such treatment. It is best to consult a doctor first and foremost before going through such surgery.

Once consented to undergo such surgical procedure, you must know that there are side effects that one must have knowledge. The person may experience bruising after the procedure which is brought about pulse dye laser. There might be pigment alteration, a postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing darkening of skin which can be temporary. There is also a side effect of mild crusting. In addition, there is also a risk for infection. In severe cases, the actual treatment may make your disease worse. Apart from these side effects, another con of this treatment is that it is far most expensive than other remedies. The different treatment may differ in areas but they are unified in one objective, which is to relieve you of the symptoms of Rosacea.

 

 

 

 

January 24 2012

Cream Products for Rosacea

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For most women, they give importance to their faces. Living in a life inflicted with the disease, where you could swear you hated that days that you go out and meet some friends without them noticing your facial condition. It would lower further your self-esteem. Your social health will be in trouble. Worry no more! There are products that would hide those imperfections and control those symptoms.  You need not fret about going on dates or going out per se.

One product that is out in the market nowadays is creams. There are non-prescribed creams and there are also prescribed ones.  Examples of non-prescribed creams are hydrocortisone and Eucerine red reducer. They are called non-prescribed ones because of the fact that you can buy it over the counter without getting prescription from your trusted physician. It works by reducing the redness an inflammation, the famous symptoms of this disease condition. On the other hand, there is what you call prescription creams that are prescribed by your chosen physician. Examples of these are Metronidazole, Noritate and Azelaic Acid. Metronidazole is the commonly used among the creams mentioned. The main goals of these creams are reduction of inflammation and also it fights and kills bacteria.

Another product that can treat your disease is moisturizers. It is made to calm irritating effects of this condition. It contains usually the following ingredients: Glycerin, Lecithin, Mineral oil, Shea butter, Hyaluronic acid complex, and Sphingo-liquid. Another composition of it is having an SPF that will protect you whenever you go out on a hot sunny day.  In addition, water based moisturizers works best.  A desirable effect when one uses this product is that it leaves the skin smooth, hydrated, supple and comfortable. Besides the fact that there are so many brands out there that you can choose, you have to consult a dermatologist first before trying. Also you have to test a small amount of it to an affected area in order to test if you are allergic to that product.

A third product that you can use to manage this condition is a cleanser. Cleanser acts as a dirt removal. It removes dirt without destroying the skin’s protective layer.  To pick up a good cleanser out in the market, you must choose at least a soap free, non-irritating, fragrance free, and oil free cleanser.  When using this product, you must apply it gently with the use of cotton balls. Then rinse with lukewarm water. Afterwards, pat dry with a facial towel.

Also, you can use lotion. There are numerous products out there promising you wondrous effects on treating the symptoms of this disease. It also helps in reducing swelling and soreness.  Some relieves itchiness and burning sensation. Beside this products mentioned, you can also use gel, cosmetics, and sunscreens.

With the countless products out there, there is only one advice we can give you: “try it with care”. Some of these products don’t live up to the expectations that they tell their consumers. It is still wise to consult a dermatologist to be safe in picking out a safest product that will aid you in living life normally without experiencing flare ups.

 

 

January 20 2012

Basic Knowledge on Rosacea Home Treatment

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January 16 2012

Getting to know Papulopustular Rosacea

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Are you Caucasian? Or have light skinned tone? And is in her 30’s to 50’s? And is recently having acne liked appearances? Look again at that pimple –looking growing in your face because that might be a condition called Papulopustular Rosacea.

It is one of the classifications under Rosacea and is most often mistaken as acne. It is composed of a combination Papules and Pustules, hence, where its name comes from. Papules are small pointed elevated skin without pus. Meanwhile, Pustules is somewhat similar to Papules. Yet, unlike papules, Pustules have pus. It somehow resembles whiteheads but they are much bigger in size than that of whiteheads. It can appear in the cheeks, nose, and chin or in the forehead. It is considered as a chronic medical condition and as of the moment, there is no exact cure for this condition. However the symptoms can be manageable. People having such disease and didn’t treat it immediately, ends up having permanent scar on their faces which can lead to lowering of a person’s self esteem.  In addition, people having this malady usually complain of burning sensation around their faces.

As mentioned earlier, this condition, as of the present state, doesn’t have a cure. However dermatologists agree on managing the symptoms of this disease. They often prescribe you with either one of the following: topical medications, oral antibiotics, Isotretinoin, and natural supplements. And when it is unmanaged by the prescribed medications, surgery seems to be the last option. Before going through anything else, it is mandatory to start off with nonmedical treatment first.  First and foremost, one should know what triggers her disease. Next is to control the symptoms through natural supplements containing Gamma- Linoleic Acid (GLA). GLA is known as an anti-inflammatory and helps in improving the skin.  Isotretinoin, on the other hand, is also known as accutane. It is known as a powerful oral medications fit for the remedy of severe cases. It is considered as the last option when other medications have not succeeded. The safest medication prescribed is the topical medications. It is medication applied in the skin. It treats inflammation and redness by preventing the inflammatory process to progress. Meanwhile, oral antibiotics are medications that are ingested. It is digested by the body and helps in reduction of the inflammation. It is given in conjunction with the topical medication. Lastly, the last option would be surgery. Surgery, done through laser and electrosurgery, works by shrinking the blood vessels to avoid vasoconstriction, which is the reason why symptoms appear.  It also can remove tissue build up located in the nose or elsewhere in the face. It doesn’t only does this but it also helps in increasing the self esteem of one person.

What is written here is just information to help you understand the disease. The treatment mentioned here are glimpses of what is likely to be prescribed. It is not advisable that you medicate by yourself. It is still wiser and safer to go first to your dermatologist and ask for their professional assistance.

 

 

January 12 2012

Ocular Rosacea

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Ocular from the word oculus means eyes. Rosacea is a skin disease usually affecting the face. Ocular Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that is brought about Rosacea. People who are diagnosed with this condition are usually women aging 30 to 60 years old. Studies show that six to eighteen percent of women, who have Rosacea, also have this disease. Most of these women, usually experiences red margins in their eyes together with scales and crusts. According to them, they often complain of dry and rough feelings in their eyes. Upon, physical examination, they have bloodshot eyes, as it is called because their eyes are become dry and they have presence of inflamed eyelids.

There are five common ophthalmic signs or conditions linked with this disease are namely Blepharitis, Keratitis, Iritis, Styes, Chalazion and Conjunctivitis. In Blepharitis, which is the most common among the five conditions mentioned, usually affects the eyelids. Most of them complains of itchiness, having a burning sensation, and causes irritation in the eyelids. On the other hand, Keratitis, another serious complication, occurs due to an inflammation of the cornea resulting in blurry vision, eye pain and sensitive to light. It also results to ulceration of the cornea. Iritis, a third common complication of this disease, is an inflammation of the iris, which causes severe pain. While Conjunctivitis deals with inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is also known as the “pink eye”. Stye, which may be present in this kind of disease condition, is bacterial base pimple. It is caused by opportunistic bacteria named Staphylococcus Aureus, which is found in the human nose. Lastly, Chalazion or bumps in the eyelids. It is commonly mistaken as Styes but they are different from each other.

In treating Ocular Rosacea, one can manage it through proper care and hygiene. There are a number of steps to help you in achieving such goal. One of the most important things to consider first is to clean the area surrounding the eyes which should be daily. You can use moisten Q tips, which is guaranteed to remove scales and crust. Some ophthalmologist suggest in cleansing using diluted baby shampoo or some gentle like shampoo while other suggest using plain water. If experiencing dry eyes, preservative free artificial tears can be applied. You can also apply warm compress four times a day or more along with gently massaging the eyelids which is beneficial to the eyes as it promotes circulation and can promote a relaxing feeling. In addition, an increase in water intake is appropriate. Most often, the common problem encountered is dehydration. Using humidifier can help in hydrating the eyes. We also encourage wearing of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glaring of the sun. Just make sure that the glasses you wear are UV protected sunglasses. Doctors, particularly ophthalmologists or dermatologist, usually would prescribe antibiotics such as Tetracycline and Metronidazole. Also, Topical Steroid is often prescribed.  However you need to consult your ophthalmologist first prior to application, hence you must never self medicate.

January 08 2012

Appreciating the Rosacea Diet

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People who have been diagnosed with Rosacea have to be diet conscious. There are foods that can trigger their symptoms which mean more expenses on health bills. We don’t want that to happen. Worry no more for there is such a thing as Rosacea Diet. It is a diet that will help you eat right, eat healthy and enjoy eating without feeling uneasy with the foods in your platter. WE are here to provide you with the things that you ought to know. It is a diet packed with high enzymes that will help supply the essential nutrients that most of the people having the disease lacks.

One of the symptoms of Rosacea is flushing of the face, flushing is triggered when the blood pH drops. Hence, making the blood acidic and the symptoms of the disease is manifested. To counteract and to prevent this from occurring, the diet will help you in achieving equilibrium of your blood’s pH level. As we go along, you might discover that most of the food included in this diet is alkaline rich. This is made in such away to prevent making the blood acidic and then preventing the surfacing of its symptoms and also to maintain balance inside your body.

People with Acne Rosacea are okay to indulge in alkaline rich diet. We recommend that you eat berries.  Berries such as Blueberries, Cherries, and Blackberries are good for you. Not only is it alkaline, it is known to be a vasoconstrictor which will assist you in minimizing redness, a common symptom of Rosacea.  Tofu, a protein substitute, has an excellent cooling effect. Cooked Chicken and Fish are far better than red meats. Fish, such as salmon and mackerel, has omega 3 which is good for the heart. Omega 3 has both an anti oxidant and anti inflammatory effect that is needed for people having this disease condition. Another source for protein can be eggs, preferably egg white, and skinless turkey. Olive oil is a good Acne Rosacea diet and is considered a healthy unsaturated fat. Consuming eight to ten glasses of alkaline water, an acid neutralizer, is an effective way to combat acidity and its unlikely effects towards the body.  You can also include seaweeds, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. We also suggest that you eat fruits and vegetables. Vegetables should be the highest portion in your diet. But wait, not all fruits and vegetables is good for you. Citrusy fruits, Tomato, Pineapple, Mango, Papaya, Onions, and Bananas are considered a no-no in this diet.

Sticking to the diet when you’re new imposes a great challenge. However, it is what experts believe that can only reduce future symptoms and can help you manage your normal life. Knowing what to eat and what not to eat will help you prevent further flare up sessions. Just remember, you are not alone on this. You can mix and match the foods that are good for you in order to increase your appetite. We hope that we had helped you in our own little way. Bon Appetit!

 

December 31 2011

Deciphering the Rosacea Natural Treatment

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With the many treatments out in the market for treating Rosacea, one thing never fades away. Natural treatment for Rosacea may be anywhere and everywhere. It can grow in your backyard garden for that matter. The products found in the stores also originate from the naturally rich ingredients. The best thing about natural remedies is that there are lesser side effects than the ones medically and synthetically made in laboratories. They provide the same therapeutic effect as of those synthetic medicines. They are cheaper also. So when you’re in a tight budget, why not try our very own nature made medicines. You surely won’t go wrong with them. On the contrary, you also found these remedies in products that you might not even notice at first glance. Getting to know these will make you appreciate the therapeutic effects to your skin particularly to your face.

To help you get an idea of the different kinds of natural remedies, we will provide you with some list that could help control the symptoms of Rosacea. First, we have Green Tea. It is known as having an antioxidant effect and has an anti-inflammatory property. It is best used in people experiencing flare ups due to frequent sun exposure. Aloe Vera, another herbal plant, provides numerous remedies. It is also good for treating dry skin. It adds moisture and helps in hydrating your skin. Most likely, people having such condition encounter problems with dehydration, ends up having drier skin than usual. Zinc, on the other hand, boosts your immune system preventing opportunistic infection. Aside from that it helps with skin renewal. Apple Cider Vinegar allays the production of digestive enzymes. It helps in maintaining the equilibrium in your intestine. Oatmeal, not only a fiber food that we love to eat during breakfast, helps in preventing bacteria to spread most especially during the Papulopustular Phase. It is a well known antioxidant that is good for your skin. It is one of the nature’s known natural moisturizer. It also soothes itchiness. Meanwhile, the famous Dark Chocolate is not only yummy, it also aids in treating this disease as it is also has antioxidant properties. Chamomile is not only good in platter, it offers relief of inflammation and aids in healthy skin regeneration. Other herbal plants like Lavender and Feverfew are both known to alleviate inflammation.  Licorice, which has been gaining popularity just recently, is known to relieve dermatitis and offers and anti-inflammatory effect to ones who use it. Azelaic Acid is good for treating Papulopustular phase of this disease. It aims to minimize bacteria, decreases flushing and reduces the number of pustules.

Having a background of the natural remedies that is available, now let’s get to how you apply this herbs or products. To start off, Green tea is often found in creams. It is applied topically. Aloe Vera Cream rich is also applied on the face of a person having such medical condition.  Zinc is also found in creams and can also be applied topically. Apple Cider Vinegar, on the other hand, is to be ingested. Usually mixed with a glass of water and one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar will aid in digestion and relieve symptoms. Oatmeal mixed with honey and lemon is applied directly in the face and leaves it there for a couple of minutes. Most of these remedies are often used topically.

We hope with the information regarding this treatment, you will look at herb or other products as you never look at it before. So before picking up a product out in the market, try looking up their ingredients and look it up in the list that we provided. May this information give you enough reason to enjoy nature’s best gift.