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Acne Rosacea
skin care - Background
Rosacea is a chronic and often life disrupting disorder
of the facial skin. Though commonly known as acne rosacea, it's more identified
as a skin rash. Unlike acne, blackheads and whiteheads are almost never present.
While over 85 percent of teenagers and as much as 20 percent of adults are affected
with acne, rosacea is most common in fair skin Caucasian women between 30 to 60,
nevertheless, affecting an estimate of 14 million Americans. When the disorder occurs
in men, it tends to be more severe than in women, and is sometimes accompanied by
rhinophyma (a nose that becomes chronically red and enlarged, almost the trademark
of W. C. Field). Like acne, there is no known cure, but it can be controlled with
proper skin care to lessen the severity when flare-up occurs.
Rosacea flare-up usually begins with flushing of the
face, most noticeable the nose and cheeks. This facial redness is the most obvious
symptoms. Other problems cited are dry skin, itching, with burning and stinging
sensations. Signs to look for are facial redness, visible damaged blood vessels,
bumps and pimples, irritated eyes and, in severe cases, enlarged nose.
Such a chronic and hereditary skin disorder can be further
aggravated by external sources such as sunlight, extreme hot or cold temperatures,
spicy foods, alcohol as well as physical and mental stress.
A dermatologist should be consulted in more severe cases, when small red inflamed
papules and pustules spot the entire face. Often prescribing an oral antibiotic,
such as tetracycline, to reduce inflammation and skin eruption. The prescription
is more effective for papules and pustules but not the redness due to swelling of
blood vessels. For long-term therapy, a topical antibiotic is preferred. A common
prescriptive antibiotic, anti-fungal cream, such as Metronidazole, helps reduce
the redness. As a guideline by the American Academy of Dermatology, topical medication
is preferred, because routine use of oral antibiotics carries risks for systemic
complications and adverse reactions. Of course, long-term use of oral antibiotics
weakens our own body's immune system to combat diseases. The guidance of a dermatologist
is important, since many symptoms can be the results of other ailments.
No known cure! However, there are measures that control
flare-ups and lessen the chance of their re-occurrences with dietary changes, lifestyle
adjustments and proper skin care to alleviate the symptoms, soothes, calms and assist
re-normalizing of the skin. acne
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