Rosacea - There is Hope

Rosacea, What Is It?

Rosacea (pronounced roe-ZAY-shar) is a common but poorly understood disorder of the facial skin that is estimated to affect many millions world wide -- and most of them don't know it. In fact, while rosacea is becoming widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of people have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it. Rosacea can vary substantially from one patient to another.

Whilst not life threatening, Rosacea does have a significant affect on a person suffering from it. In surveys more than 76 percent of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, with many reporting that it caused them to avoid public contact and cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70 percent said the disorder had adversely affected their professional life and interactions, and nearly 30 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition. Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.

(image source : randalicentre.com)

Contrary to popular belief of the medical profession Rosacea can be controlled without prescription medication and even cured.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown there are natural alternatives and help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disrupting disorder. Any one of the following warning signs of Rosacea is a signal to seek help and a diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:

* Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
* Small visible blood vessels on the face.
* Bumps or pimples on the face.
* Watery or irritated eyes.

The Faces of Rosacea

1: Facial Redness (Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea)
Rosacea sufferers experience flushing and persistent facial redness. Small blood vessels may become visible in some patients, and stinging, burning, swelling and roughness or scaling may also occur.

2: Bumps and Pimples (Papulopustular Rosacea)
In addition to persistent redness, bumps (papules) and/or pimples (pustules) are common in many rosacea sufferers. Some patients also experience raised red patches known as plaque

3: Enlargement of the Nose (Phymatous Rosacea)
Rosacea may be associated with enlargement of the nose from excess tissue, a condition known as rhinophyma. This may include thickening of the skin and irregular surface nodules, which in rare cases may also develop in areas other than the nose.

4: Eye Irritation (Ocular Rosacea)
Rosacea affects the eyes in many patients, and results in a watery or bloodshot appearance, irritation and burning or stinging. The eyelids may also become swollen, and styes are common.

Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea patients can improve their chances of being rosacea free by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that may trigger flare-ups or aggravate their individual conditions. Identifying these factors is an individual process, since what causes a flare-up for one person may have no effect on another.

Factors that commonly trigger Rosacea

Sun exposure, Spicy foods, Humidity, Indoor heat, Certain skin-care products, Heated beverages, Certain cosmetics, Cold weather, Medications, Emotional stress, Hot weather, Wind, Heavy exercise, Alcohol consumption, Hot baths.

The above is not an exhaustive list but outlines some of the more common triggers for Rosacea.
Anyone can get rosacea, but individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. Rosacea is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and women are affected almost twice as often as men according to some studies. Men though tend to have more severe symptoms. The possibly reason for this is that men wait to get treatment until the condition worsens.

Rosacea Treatment - Conventional

According to conventional medicine there is no cure. There is however medical help that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disrupting disorder. The longer you wait the worse your condition becomes. It is important to get treatment as soon as possible.

Rosacea Treatment - Alternative Treatments

Conventional medicines (such as Azelaic acid, Erythromycin, Metronidazole, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Isotretinoin, Minocycline, etc) only treat the symptoms of rosacea. They do not address the fundamental cause. This only provides temporary relief.

We believe rosacea is curable by using the right natural treatments. These treatments act by treating rosacea from the inside and from the outside to reduce or cure it. Topical treatments from the outside will relieve symptoms and provide temporary relief. Treatment from the inside will help detoxify and rebuild the body, and prevent the problems from coming back in the future. This is the key to long-term rosacea relief.

by : Rod L Edwards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2441946