All About Rosacea

April is Rosacea Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shed some light on this common yet often misunderstood skin condition. Rosacea affects millions of people worldwide, causing redness, flushing, and in some cases, acne like breakouts. Let’s dive deeper into what rosacea is, its causes, signs, and most importantly, how it can be effectively managed.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the central face, including the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. However, it can also spread to other areas such as the ears, neck, chest, back, and even the eyes. The four main types of rosacea are erythematotelangiectatic (vascular), papulopustular (inflammatory), phymatous, and ocular.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels, while papulopustular rosacea presents with acne-like breakouts of papules and pustules. Phymatous rosacea involves thickening and texturing of the skin, often seen on the nose, and ocular rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids, causing redness and irritation.

The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of hereditary, vascular, immune, and environmental factors. Common triggers for rosacea include sun exposure, stress, heat, exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures. Those with rosacea may experience facial flushing, visible veins, papules and pustules, and a burning sensation, along with hypersensitive and sometimes itchy or swollen skin.

Managing rosacea typically involves a multifaceted approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Skincare plays a crucial role in controlling mild-to-moderate rosacea, with products like ZO Rozatrol recommended for calming redness and irritation. Avoiding triggers as mentioned above is also key for minimizing flare ups, while naturopathic visits can provide comprehensive management addressing internal factors contributing to rosacea.

Our new favourite treatment for rosacea is NeoSkin by Aerolase. This innovative laser treatment targets hemoglobin in the blood vessels responsible for flushing and blushing, as well as coagulates dilated veins and broken capillaries. Over time, these treated vessels are gradually cleared by the body’s natural immune response, resulting in reduced redness and improved skin tone.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that requires ongoing management. By understanding its causes, signs, and treatment options like NeoSkin, those with rosacea can start taking steps to control their symptoms and achieve clearer, healthier skin. If you’re struggling with rosacea, don’t hesitate to call and book a consultation so we can create a treatment plan perfect for you.