Rosacea Guide

Did you know that Mariah Carey suffers from rosacea? It's true, in an interview with the UK Times, the singer/actress states, “I don't do facials because I have rosacea and having people poke at your face is not good for that.” In fact, Ms. Carey treats her flare-ups with ice cubes and milk.

Rosacea is a skin condition that mimics acne. Red blotches appear in the T-Zone, chin, nose, cheeks, and forehead, and can appear to be quite bumpy and irritated. There is no one true cause of rosacea, and there is also no cure. Changing your diet to eliminate spicy foods and alcoholic beverages can help reduce the symptoms, but cures are not available. Oral antibiotics and some prescription creams can help keep flare-ups to a minimum.

People of Irish or English decent are more prone to develop rosacea. The condition does not often appear until the late 20s or early 30s, and in some cases it can show up as late as the age of 60. There is no rhyme or reason to the condition. It can appear to be genetic, but studies have not proven this. What is certain is that many people diagnosed with rosacea feel depressed or very self-conscious over their appearance.

While the condition of rosacea does not appear until adulthood, researchers feel that there may be early warning signs out there. Those with fair skin who seem to blush easily, flush in certain weather or lighting, or who flush after an alcoholic drink are almost certain to later develop rosacea. In fact, my own first hand experience proves this. As a teenager, my neck, throat, and cheeks would go scarlet red in fluorescent lighting. Often laughed at in high school, I never realized that years down the road there would be an answer--rosacea.

If you are diagnosed with rosacea, you should not scrub at your face or pick at pimples, this only worsens the condition. Unscented, hypo-allergenic moisturizers with sunscreen are an excellent idea. Some of the over-the-counter acne washes can help reduce some of the redness, but they will not alleviate everything. Rosacea can seem embarrassing, but many people share in your embarrassment. Instead of worrying about your appearance, instead learn how to prevent flare-ups and follow a solid rosacea skin care regimen.

Understandably, most rosacea sufferers feel that their life is limited by this illness. Some treatment options to bring short term relief are:

- Laser treatment
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Acne drugs (if acne rosacea is present)

In general however it is a modified lifestyle that is likely to bring the best relief to rosacea sufferers.

ZENMED: Treating Problem Skin Naturally