What is rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that most often affects the forehead, nose, checkbones, and chin. Groups of capillaries close to the surface of the skin become dilated, resulting in blotchy read areas with small bumps and sometimes, pimples. The redness can come and go, but eventually may become permanent if bloosd vessels under the skin become dilated, a phenomenon known as telangiectasia. The skin can swell and thicken, and may be tender and sensitive to the touch
The inflammation of rosacea can look a great deal like acne, but tends to be more chronic, blackheads and whiteheads are almost never present. About 1 in every 20 Americans has it to some degree-but many never realize they have it. Rosacea usually begins with frequent flushing of the face, especially the nose and cheek areas. The flushing is caused by the swelling of the blood vessels under the skin. This "red mask" can serve as a warning for attention. Inflammation can then spread across the face and small bumps may appear. However, this can take years from the beginning of this condition before the later stages develop. Rosacea can also cause a persistent burning and feeling of grittiness in the eyes or inflamed and swollen eyelids. In severe cases, visin can be impaired.
The underlying cause or causes of rosacea are not understood, but certain factors are known to aggravate the condition, including the consumption of alcohol, hot liquids, and/ or spicy foods; exposure to sunlight; humidity; extremes of temperature; and the use of makeup and skin care products containing alcohol. Stress, vitamin deficiencies, and infection can be contributing factors. The things that bother one person may not affect anoter person.
Rosacea is most common in white women between the ages of 30 to 50. When it does occur in men it tends to be more severe, and is usually accompanied by rhinophyma (a nose that becomes chronically red and enlarged). Fair skined individuals seem to be more susceptible to this condition than darker skinned people. People who flush easily seem to be more prone than others to develop rosacea.
It is not a dangerous condition, but it is chronic and can be distressing for cosmetic reasons. Without proper care, it can develop into a disfiguring condition.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOURSELF. Here is a guideline for you to start:
1. Eat a diet that emphasizes raw veggies and grains (organic if possible). If you have never got into juicing I would suggest you try it.
2. Avoid fats, especially saturated fats, and all animal products. Saturated fats promote inflammation. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, dairy products, eggs, fat, fish, salt,surgar, and spicy foods. I know this is hard but REMEMBER BABY STEP YOUR WAY NOT ALL AT ONCE.
3. Do not drink hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Allow your food to cool to room temperature before eating it.
4. Keep skin very clean, but treat it gently. Use a mild natural soap and lukewarm to cool (never cold or hot) water for cleansing. Pat the skin dry after washing DO NOT RUB.
5. As much as possible avoid wearing makeup. If you do please use only all-natural, water based products.
6. Avoid extreme temperatures, especially heat. Avoid saunas, steam baths, and hot tubs ^-^.
7. Investigate the possibility of food allergies.
8. You may wish to see your Dr. for help.
