Winnipeg's Downtown Aveda Spa Salon
Frequently Asked Questions - Skin Care
What is rosacea and how do I treat it?
Rosacea (pronounced "rose-AY-shah") is a progressive skin disease that usually begins with redness like a blush appearing on the face, most often on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. At first, the redness may come and go but over time it can become more persistent and visible blood vessels may appear. If left untreated, bumps and pimples may appear. Because of the combination of redness and pimples, some people may call rosacea "adult acne". However, most common acne treatments don't work on rosacea; in fact, they can make the condition worse.
In some rare cases of rosacea, the nose may become swollen and lumpy. This is called rhinophyma (pronounced "ry-no-FY-muh"). Rosacea develops slowly and may gradually worsen over time. Most of the people who get rosacea are 30-50 years old, have fair skin, and are of Irish, Scottish, English, or of Eastern or Northern European descent. Rosacea is rarely seen in men or women of Asian or African heritage.
What Aggravates Rosacea?
- Weather
- Sun, heat, humidity, cold and wind can all trigger a rosacea flare-up.
- Food and Drink
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- Hot soup and drinks such as coffee or tea
- Alcohol, especially red wines
- Chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce and vinegar
- Certain vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, spinach, lima and navy beans, peas
- Certain fruits such as avocadoes, bananas, red plums, raisin figs, and citrus fruits
- Hot spices
- Meats such as liver
- Intense Exercise
- Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle but it can cause rosacea to flare up.
- Stress
- Emotional stress is an important trigger for people with rosacea
- Medical Conditions
- Some underlying health conditions can stimulate a flushing response and trigger rosacea flare-ups. For example:
- Hot flashes associated with menopause
- Fever, coughs, and colds
- Temperature-Related
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- Saunas
- Hot baths
- Overheating
- Overly warm environments
A footnote about the sufferers of rosacea: the bulbous nose and red face has always been thought of as a sign of a heavy alcohol drinker. While consumption of alcohol may aggravate the disease, the symptoms can be just as severe in someone who doesn't drink.
Can Rosacea Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea at present; however, simple treatment can control rosacea and improve the appearance of the skin. Treatment may stop the progression of the disease and in some cases reverse the progress. The important thing in treating rosacea is to seek medical care early and follow the physician's treatment program exactly.
