What is Acne Rosacea / Rosacea ?
Acne Rosacea or Rosacea is a common inflammatory disease of the face - particularly affecting the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. In the early stages, it most often presents with facial redness. There may be an occasional red pimple associated with this redness. In later stages, red pimples and pus-filled cysts may appear that are similar to those seen in ordinary teenage acne, hence the name, Acne Rosacea.
Rosacea is a long-term disorder and usually lasts for at least several years. Typically, flare-ups alternate with periods of less activity. Over a period of time, it gradually "scars" the skin by producing permanent redness and surface irregularities of the face, particularly the cheeks and nose.
The exact cause of Rosacea is not known, but it is thought to be related to blood vessel dilation called vasodilation. It is definitely known not to be contagious. Rosacea is occasionally associated with an inflammation of the eyelids known as Blepharitis. Dr. Andrew Hendricks treats patients with Rosacea from North Carolina, South Carolina, and surrounding states.
How is Acne Rosacea / Rosacea treated?
- Dr. Hendricks typically treats patients with Rosacea with topical and oral antibiotics. These must be used regularly for the best results. As with most prescription medicines, antibiotics should be immediately discontinued if you become pregnant.
- Occasionally, women taking antibiotics may develop vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms of this are itching and vaginal discharge. This is not serious or dangerous and can usually be easily managed without interrupting your Rosacea. If you experience these symptoms, contact the office for instructions.
- Dr. Hendricks offers pulse dye laser therapy to remove blood vessels from your face or other parts of your body. Laser treatment may control or eliminate your Rosacea. Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance.
Other important considerations with Acne Rosacea:
- Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer recommended by Dr. Hendricks or his staff. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Avoid prescription cortisone creams on your face unless instructed to do so by Dr. Hendricks or his staff.
- The National Rosacea Society surveyed its 158,000 newsletter subscribers. Rosacea sufferers who responded to that survey ranked the factors which aggravate their disease in order of importance:
- Strong direct sunlight.
- Emotional stress or anxiety.
- Hot weather, especially hot, humid weather.
- Highly seasoned, spicy foods.
- Exercise and exertion.
- Cold weather, especially exposure of the face to cold wind.
- Hot baths.
- Hot beverages in large quantities and abundant use of very hot foods such as soups, hot pizza, etc.
- Alcoholic beverages in more than minimal quantities.
- The following foods were listed: eggplant, spinach, avocados, bean pods, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, vinegar, citrus fruits, bananas, red plums, tomatoes, raisins and figs. Yeast extracts sometimes caused trouble, though bread was not reported.
For additional information and to be placed on a mailing list, you may write:
The National Rosacea Society
220 South Cook Street, Suite 201
Barrington, Illinois 60010