Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes facial redness. Sometimes it is referred to as "adult acne." Rosacea appears mainly in adults. Light-skinned people who tend to flush are often affected. It is often hard to pinpoint the factors that cause rosacea flare-ups. Common triggers include weather extremes, sun exposure, alcoholic or hot beverages, spicy food, physical exertion, stress, illness, some skin products and medications. To prevent flare-ups, keep a list of the things that seem to make Rosacea worse, then try to avoid these triggers. Rosacea is rarely a health risk. But the symptoms of this disease can hurt your self-image. Symptoms of Rosacea include:

• Flushing - the central region of the face often flushes. This includes the checks, chin, forehead and nose. This flushing can come and go. Its color can range from pink to red.
• Dilated blood vessels - flushing is always present. But it may worsen or get better. Besides redness (erythema), tiny dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) may form a web like pattern on one or more parts of the face.
• Acne-like lesions - these lesions appear on the face. They are pauples, pustules and nodules. Facial redness and tiny dilated blood vessels tend to persist.
• Enlargement of the nose-with severe Rosacea, redness and swelling may enlarge the nose (rhinophyma). This occurs most often in men.

TREATMENTS

There is no cure for Rosacea. But medical treatment can help you manage the symptoms. The following treatments are listed in order of most effective, or those giving the most immediate results: (For more information about each treatment use hyper-links to access company or system web sites.)

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT The Palomar StarLux system delivers pulses of flitered light onto the skin that are then absorbed by the blood for vascular lesions. The treatment induces the body’s natural healing response, which allows for the generation of new tissue. IPL is a fantastic treatment for Rosacea, and brown spots; and helps with fine lines and texture. IPL may take more than one treatment; packages are available.

Provided courtesy of David Vasily, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Photos are examples of results which may be achieved from treatment with certain technology. No results are guaranteed or implied--Individual results may vary.

PRESCRIPTIONS Dr. Scheel may prescribe one or more topical treatments to apply to the skin daily (e.g. Metrogel, Metrocream, Klaron lotion, Elidel, etc.). You may also be given oral medications (taken by mouth). To relieve eye symptoms, you may use natural tear eye drops (available in most drugstores), and prescribed oral medications. For more information on prescriptions check out our Medical Library link.

SUNSCREEN is essential in keeping Rosacea under control. Pacifica carries a full line of sunscreens from organic to clinical.  Our organic lines include DDF,  MyChelle, and Soleo. SkinCeuticals also offers two great sunscreens Physical UV Defense SPF 30 & Sport UV Defense SPF 45.

DERMABLEND COVER CRÈME,while not necessarily a treatment, is a high performance coverage cosmetic. This product delivers a flawless complexion and 12 hours of consistent color wear. DermaBelnd improves texture; skin looks fresh, feels soft and velvety smooth. The cover crème provides all day hydration, suitable for sensitive skin. This product also protects your skin with a SPF 30 sunscreen.

Rosacea self-care

Besides sticking with your treatment plan, follow these tips to care for your skin:

• Wash your face once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser (e.g. Cetaphil soap and cleanser, Oil of Olay Soap, Dove Soap, Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar, Basis Soap). Rinse your skin well with warm (not hot) water. Pat (not rub) your skin dry with a cotton towel.
• Don't scrub your skin or use sponges, brushes or other abrasive tools. This irritates your skin.
• If you shave your face, use an electric razor.
• Choose skin care products and cosmetics that are non-irritating, oil-free and fragrance-free.