Rosacea

Often referred to, as adult acne Rosacea is a common yet poorly understood chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face sometimes the neck, chest and back may also be involved.  Symptoms begin with episodes of facial flushing often accompanied by a physiological sensation of burning or tingling.  People with Rosacea may experience spots and persistent redness of their skin. Small blood vessels in the skin can become visible and sometimes appear darker and broken.  In the most severe cases the skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose.  It is often difficult to diagnose Rosacea because the lesions can closely resemble acne.  However, even though a Rosacea papule or pustule may imitate acne, the key differentiation is that in Rosacea, there is no microcomedone activity present (plug of sebum in the hair follicle) but that is not to say that acne and Rosacea cannot co-exsist.  Rosacea is a condition that most commonly affects fair-skinned people from northern Europe.  Most experts believe that 2-5% of people are affected by the condition.  Rosacea affects twice as many women as men (although it tends to be more serious in men). The symptoms usually begin between 30 and 50 years of age.

So what causes Rosacea?
It is not known for certain what causes Rosacea, there are however a number theories.  Some physicians believe that the condition is caused by a microscopic pest known as the Demodex Mite (Domox Fulliculoneum) other theories include gastrointestinal disease or possible lesions on the hypothalamus gland.  None of these theories are proven but it is recognised that symptoms vary considerably from person to person.  One thing for absolute certainty is cumulative sun exposure and resulting sun damage plays a major role in the development of Rosacea.

Triggers of Rosacea
While the exact cause of Rosacea is unknown, several triggers have been identified that may make the symptoms worse in some people. These include:

• Exposure to sunlight,
• Stress,
• Cold weather,
• Hot drinks,
• Alcohol, 
• Certain foods, particularly food that is heavily spiced.

Identifying and avoiding the triggers of Rosacea can be a useful way of controlling the symptoms.  The sooner treatment for Rosacea begins, the less likely it is that you will develop the more serious symptoms of the condition, such as thickened skin.  There is no specific clinical test for Rosacea. Your GP will make a diagnosis by examining your skin, and asking you about your symptoms, and any possible triggers that you may have.  In some circumstances, your GP may recommend that you have further testing, such as a blood test, in order to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as lupus (a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue), or the onset of the menopause. 

Treatment
There is no cure for Rosacea, but a range of treatments is available that can help to control the symptoms of the condition.

      Kate Russell Aesthetics is successfully treating Rosacea with Jan Marini topical applications and peels. And recommends the following products: Getting started the Travel/pre-peel system on offer at £60.00

Prepares the skin pre-peel lasts for approximately four weeks. First peel free when booking a course of six peels. 

STEP ONE
Glycolic Acid

Studies have shown the use of glycolic acid shows

• A marked reduction in redness
• A decrease in facial papules
• Less scaling
• Decreased sensitivity in facial skin
• Lessening of telangiectasia
• Gradual and overall continued improvement
• Patient’s Rosacea remained under control
• Some doctors believe that glycolic acid prevents the attachment of the Demodex Mite in the follicle 

STEP TWO
C-Esta (Lip Soluble Vitamin C)
Medical studies demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of lipid soluble Vitamin C, and specifically point to lessening of the appearance of telangiectasia. In addition studies show that the skin gradually becomes desensitised and is far less reactive.

STEP THREE
Factor-A and factor-A plus (ALL-Trans-retinol)
Recent medical research has confirmed that certain retinoids (vitamin A and vitamin A derivatives) can be dramatically beneficial in helping to lessen Rosacea redness and lesions.  Trans-retinol is far less irritating then retinoic acid (used in prescription products such as Retin-A). Many patients experience extreme redness with prescription forms of retin A.

STEP FOUR
Bioclear
Bioclear is a combination of glycolic, salicylic and azeliac acids.  These topical agents provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as assisting in decreasing redness and Rosacea lesions.  Medical studies demonstrate that regular use of glycolic, salicylic and azeliac acids leads to gradual and over cumulative improvement and continued control of visible symptoms.

STEP FIVE
Age Intervention Face
Age intervention contains anti-inflammatory agents and other beneficial ingredients that assist in minimizing redness and skin sensitivity.

STEP SIX - SUN PROTECTION
Anitoxidant protection 

Sun protection is the most important factor in caring for your skin.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen offering UVA and UVB protection spf30 with a waterproof rating is essential.  Daily face protectant incorporates a combination of conventional sun screening agents along with two newly developed non- chemical sun blocking substances that provide enhanced sun protection as well as exceptional skin recovery benefits ensuring continuous coverage.

 MAKE-UP

• Whilst we want to cover-up outbreaks and blemishes make up can aggravate the skin. At Kate Russell we are introducing Mineralologie Make-up containing only a 100% pure minerals. All minerologie products are hypo-allergenic, recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons and is listed on the Safe Cosmetics List, www.safecosmetics.org. Many of the containers are made from 25% RECYCLED materials others are biodegradable.

All products contain: 

• Natural ingredients

• Are paraban free
• Hypo-allergenic
• Noncomedogenic
• Natural to complete coverage
• Suitable for all skin types/conditions
• Contain spf26
• Used post laser
• Post peel
• Post surgery
• Can be worn whilst swimming and sunbathing or exercising

Mineralogie not only offers a flawless finish the healing properties of the minerals will continue to heal and recover your skin whilst you wear it. Please visit www.mineralologie.biz for more information. 

At Kate Russell we recognise Rosacea is a chronic condition is very individual and symptoms will vary therefore treatment may take longer depending on severity and length of time the condition has been active. Topical products should be applied regularly for optimum results. It is advisable to consult a clinic specialising in medical grade products.  Due to the very active nature of the ingredients contained in Jan Marini topical applications it is important that Jan Marini products are not applied at the same time as using topical medications prescribed by your G.P.  We strongly advise contacting the clinic for a free in-depth consultation before any online purchases are made for the treatment of rosacea.  It is also advisable to see your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you have rosacea, as there are various forms of the condition that can be a side effect from certain long-term medications.  There are a number of ways that the symptoms of rosacea can be medically treated.  These are described below.

Facial flushing
Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding possible triggers, or wearing sunscreen, can be a good way of helping to control the symptoms of facial flushing.

Spots and pimples
Your GP may recommend a cream or gel such as: Metronidazole cream, or gel, (topical metronidazole) is usually recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate spots and pimples. When applying metronidazole cream, or gel, you need to be careful not to get any in your eyes, or mouth. An alternative to topical metronidazole is azelaic acid, which is also available in gel form. Azelaic acid helps to unblock pores and reduce any inflammation.  As with topical metronidazole, you may need to use azelaic acid for several months before you notice any significant improvement in symptoms.
The side effects of azelaic acid can include:

• burning and stinging of the skin,
• itchiness, and
• dry skin.

However, any side effects are usually only short-term.

Antibiotic tablets
For more serious symptoms of spots and pimples, antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics) may be recommended. In this case, the antibiotics are used for their ability to reduce inflammation of the skin, rather than for their bacterial-killing properties.
As with the other treatments, you will need to take oral antibiotics for several months before you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms.
The two most commonly used antibiotics used in the treatment of rosacea are tetracyclines and erythromycin.

Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are not suitable for women who are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This is because they can cause birth defects in unborn children, and interfere with normal bone development in breastfed children. Sexually active women of childbearing age should use a barrier method of contraception while taking tetracyclines, such as a condom, in order to prevent becoming pregnant.
Tetracyclines may cause oral contraceptives to fail during the first few weeks of treatment.
Tetracyclines are usually not suitable for people with a history of kidney disease. They can also make your skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight, so you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
A rare, but potentially serious side effect of tetracyclines is that it can cause an increase in the pressure of the fluid that surrounds your brain, which is known as benign intra-cranial hypertension. The symptoms of benign intra-cranial hypertension include:

• A severe headache, and
• A disturbance in your vision.

If you experience these symptoms, you should stop taking tetracyclines, and contact your GP.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin can increase the potency of certain medications, such as warfarin and statins. Your GP will be able to advise you if your dosage needs to be revised.

Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
The symptoms of visible blood vessels that are associated with Rosacea are known as telangiectasia.
Treatment for telangiectasia will usually require a referral to a dermatologist (a specialist in treating skin conditions).
Laser treatment is one of the most widely used treatments for telangiectasia. The heat from the lasers is used to shrink the blood vessels.
While laser treatment can cause some skin pain, most people can tolerate it without the need for using anaesthetic.
Complications of laser treatment are rare but can include:

• bruising,
• crusting of the skin,
• swelling and redness of the skin, and very rarely
• infection.

Most complications that occur as a result of laser treatment will usually pass within a few weeks, although infection will require treatment with antibiotics.

Thickened skin (rhinophyma)
If you have thickened skin (rhinophyma) - a symptom of Rosacea that often affects the nose - it is likely that treatment will involve a referral to a plastic surgeon.
A number of surgical treatments are available, such as using a laser, or a scalpel, to remove any excess tissue and remodel the nose into a more pleasing shape.
Cosmetic surgery is not usually available on the NHS.

Avoiding triggers
Avoiding known triggers can help to reduce the severity and frequency of your Rosacea symptoms. To help establish what is triggering your symptoms, you may wish to keep a diary of your daily activities in order to record their impact on your symptoms.
Advice about how to avoid some of the common triggers of Rosacea is outlined below.

Sunlight
As sunlight is the most commonly reported trigger of Rosacea, it is recommended that you make daily use of sunscreen, even on overcast days.
During the summer months, you should minimise your exposure to the sun, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.
However, remember that the sun can also be very strong in the morning and evening, so you also need to take adequate precautions if you go out at these times of the day. Regularly applying sunscreen to you skin, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, can help reduce exposure.

Stress
After sunlight, stress is the second most reported trigger of Rosacea. Therefore, successfully managing your stress levels can play an important part in helping to control your Rosacea symptoms.
Taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting the right amount of sleep, can all help to reduce stress. As strenuous exercise can trigger an outbreak of Rosacea, a low-intensity exercise regime, such as walking, or swimming, may be a better option than high-intensity exercises, such as running, or aerobics.
You may also wish to try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.

Food and drink
For Rosacea, the most commonly reported food and drink-related triggers are alcohol and spicy foods. You may want to try completely removing these from your diet in order to see if your Rosacea improves.
However, there are also many other dietary triggers that can adversely affect some people with Rosacea. You should include information about how your diet impacts on your Rosacea symptoms as part of your Rosacea diary.

Cold weather
Covering your face and nose with a scarf can help to protect your skin from cold temperature and wind.
If it is necessary for you to spend a considerable amount time outside during cold weather, wearing a balaclava, can help to protect your face.

Eye Problems
Rosacea that affects your eyes (ocular Rosacea) can lead to a number of eye conditions.
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) is the most commonly reported eye condition resulting from Rosacea. Blepharitis can usually be successfully treated by adopting a daily eye-cleaning regime, and by using antibiotic tablets and creams.
Photosensitivity – sensitive to sunlight and bright lights

Psychological and social aspects of Rosacea
Any chronic condition can have an adverse psychological affect, but Rosacea can be particularly troublesome, due to the affect that it can have on your appearance. Most people with Rosacea report feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment, and frustration.
It is important for you to come to terms with the fact that you have a chronic condition, which although incurable, is controllable. Persevering with your treatment plan, and avoiding your individual triggers are the best ways of controlling your Rosacea symptoms.  As your physical symptoms improve, you will start to feel better psychologically and emotionally.
If you have Rosacea, try to take some comfort in the fact that you are not alone. There are millions of people, both in the UK, and across the world, who are also living with the condition.
Please telephone 0775 384 6485 to book an appointment for a free no obligation consultation or email info@katerussellskin.co.uk for further advice