Rosy Cheeks May Not Be So Rosy

We are taught that rosy cheeks are a sign of beauty and good health. We may pinch our cheeks to make them look flush and pink. We even use products called “blush” or “rouge” to give our cheeks a pretty, reddish look.

But rosy cheeks may also be a skin condition called Rosacea. An inflammation that affects about 5% of the population. Do you have it?

When you enjoy your favorite glass of wine or spicy foods, do your cheeks become pink and rosy? When you are nervous, hot or stressed, do your cheeks become flushed? Or, have you had a small breakout or rash in the middle of your face?

If so, you may be experiencing a rosacea flare up. April is Rosacea Awareness Month. Now, with the experts at Dermatology Consultants, you can learn more about this chronic condition and how to treat and manage it.

 

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder that is actually very common. It can present as vascular rosacea or inflammatory rosacea or a combination of both. When left untreated, mild cases may escalate to inflammatory acne rosacea (papules and pustules) , or the inflammation can progress to phymatous rosacea (thickening of the skin of the cheeks and nose).

According to the National Rosacea Society, rosacea affects approximately 14+ million Americans, which equates to an estimated 5% of our population. You are definitely NOT alone. Although this condition is most visible in our middle aged, fair-skinned patients, rosacea can present in all skin types. Studies have recently shown that causes of rosacea are 50% genetics & 50% environmental. Sufficient evidence also shows that Gut Health (Gastrointestinal System – GI) is found to be a contributing factor with regard to the inflammatory response associated with rosacea.

 

What can be done to treat rosacea?

Now let’s cover what your next steps should be if this sounds similar to what you may be experiencing with your skin.

STEP ONE – Schedule an appointment with your Dermatology Provider to confirm your skin’s condition.

STEP TWO– Become educated on the “Triggers” associated with rosacea flare ups. Here is a list of common rosacea triggers:

• Sunlight
• Stress
• Heat
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Spicy foods
• Some skin and hair care products
• Some makeup
• Wind and cold
• Some medicines
• Exercise

STEP THREE – Create a care plan with your provider that includes treatments and products available to keep your condition under control.

• You may be recommended oral antibiotics and/or topical medical grade skin care that includes such ingredients as metronidazole, ivermectin, niacinamide, isotretinoin to minimize outbreaks – “flare-ups”.
• BBL / IPL This highly recommended treatment suggestion (broad band light and/or intense pulsed light – also referred to as a photo facial) is an in-office procedure which addresses the vascular concerns associated with rosacea flushing. BBL and IPL are suggested in a series with on-going maintenance care to manage flushing and visible superficial veins.
• Frozen C – Cryotherapy, HydraFacials and Intraceutical treatments also provide excellent ongoing maintenance for compromised skin types.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF everyday with reapplication every 2 to 2.5 hours to protect the skin that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
• Avoid skincare products that contain alcohol and added fragrance. (Read the list of ingredients before you buy a product, and avoid anything that contains: Alcohol, Camphor, Fragrance, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Menthol, Urea, and Sodium laurel sulfate – often found in shampoos and toothpaste)
• Identify your personal triggers and make a conscious effort to avoid.

STEP FOUR – Stay diligent and consistent with your care.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatment and care options available.

 

Healthy Skin Is In … and at Dermatology Consultants our experts are here to guide you on your skin care journey. What will you do for your skin first?