Rosacea. The good, the bad, the ugly >

 

 

R O S A C E A

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY.

 

Sometimes a red face isn't just a red face. There is a relatively common condition called Rosacea that commonly affects people of Celtic decent and is slightly more prevalent in women.

 

It is a poorly understood condition which leads to facial flushing, especially around the cheeks, forehead and chin. If severe, it can lead to red pimple-like lesions and prominent blood vessels, and is cosmetically quite disturbing. Whilst not dangerous, the condition is very upsetting as one of the main precipitating factors is stress. Certain foods and drinks can also bring it on, such as hot spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol.

 

If you have red patches on your cheeks that come and go and may also flare into pimples, it may be Rosacea. It can be treated by your doctor, but cure is very difficult.

 

Your doctor may use creams such as Elidel or Skinoren, but if it is severe they may use oral antibiotics in very small doses for an extended period.  It often takes a few months to get it under control. Avoidance of triggers that you have identified may help, such as alcohol or caffeine drinks. And of course, stress never helps anything.

IMAGE VIA: www.hillsmedispa.com.au

By Dr Richard Young & Sarah Jane - for more info, email us: she-is-sarahjane@live.com.au