Archive for March, 2009

Rosacea Overview

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in swelling of the vessels. It affects women more than men generally between the ages of 30-60.

  •  Manifests as a redness around the middle of the face, generally the nose and cheeks in a butterfly pattern
  •  Has telangiectasia (couperose)
  •  Is NOT acne, and does not have comedones
  •  Attributed to photo damaged
  •  Especially occurring in fair skinned persons

1) Overview

  •  Family history/ Ethnic Background ( Celtic )
  •  Sun Exposure
  •  Male or female
  •  Age
  •  Demographics

Rosacea has progressive stages, as follows:
Pre-Rosacea
Frequent episodes of flushing and redness that come and go – triggered by foods, stress, environment and lifestyle.
Stage One – Vascular Stage
Telangiectasia, persistent flushing and redness; may be swollen and warm. Many never progress beyond this stage.
Stage Two – Inflammatory Rosacea
Pustules and papules, though no blackheads or white heads; may be misdiagnosed as acne. Telangiectasia is dilated and pores can be enlarged.
Stage Three – Orange Peel Skin Stage
Exacerbation of previous symptoms and tissue hyperplasia (overgrowth). Strikes mostly men and most often on the nose (rhinophymy), the red bulbous nose of W.C. Fields. Patients can experience more than one stage simultaneously, in progression, or only one type, including rhi

2) Topical

(Cosmecutical, Pharmaceutical OTC over the counter)

  • OTC ( Over the counter) Department stores/retail outlet
  • Cosmecutical sold under  license Esthetic- Cosmetology Boards
  • Prescription from MD

3) Ingredients

Cosmecutical

  • Antioxidants/Anti Inflammatory:
  • Astaxanthin- Soluble Vitamin C-Alpha Lipoic
  • Wound healing improve integrity of the skin Copper- Vitamin K –Willow Herb-Co Q10 for stimulating the ATP  ( energy)of the cell

Prescription from MD

4) Ingredients

Cosmecutical

  • Antioxidants/Anti Inflammatory: Astaxanthin- Soluble Vitamin C – Alpha Lipoic
  • Wound healing improve integrity of the skin Copper- Vitamin K –Willow Herb- – Azeleic  acid
  • Co Q10 for stimulating the ATP  ( energy)of the cell

Prescription from MD

  • Azeleic  acid (15%)
  • Metronidazote ( demodex mite)
  • Oral antibiotics ( tetracycline dirivitives)

5) Other information

  • Sunscreen non irritating/ physical block/ oil free moisturizing
  • Homeopathic Medicine
  • Camouflage for coverage quality of minerals /particle size/ amount of fillers
  • Things that may trigger it
    - Food
    - Exercise
    - Heat
    - Stress

If you have any questions about how to handle your rosacea-prone skin, Parkway Skin Centre’s staff is always available for consultation. Click here if you would like to purchase Derma MD’s Rosacea Skin Saver Kit.

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Rosacea Triggers:

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Dermatologists’ Tips for Controlling Rosacea in Winter

Winter winds and cold weather are common triggers. If you find that your rosacea flares in winter, here are tips that can help diminish flare-ups:

  • Protect your face. Covering your face with a scarf or ski mask helps protect it from the wind and cold. Just make sure that if it touches your face, it is not made of wool or a fabric that feels rough to the touch. Wool and rough-feeling fabrics can irritate the skin.
  • Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from both the UVA and UVB rays
  • Apply sunscreen. The sun’s reflective powers are great year round — 17% on the sand and 80% on the snow. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more on exposed skin helps protect your skin.
  • Use a barrier-repair product. Protective creams and other topicals that create a barrier on your skin help to shield it. Your dermatologist can help you find a product that does not irritate your skin.
  • Wear loose, layered clothing. This allows you to stay warm and remove layers as needed to prevent overheating.
  • Reduce indoor heating. Indoor heat can cause a flare-up. When possible set the thermostat to a temperature that does not trigger your rosacea.
  • Avoid sitting near a lit fireplace or stove. Becoming overheated often triggers rosacea.
  • Prevent heat from blowing on your face. When in a car, set the heat so that it does not blow directly on your face.
  • Limit consumption of heated beverages and alcohol. If these are triggers, limiting consumption or avoiding them can help.
  • Avoid hot showers, hot baths, saunas, and steam. All of these open blood vessels, which can cause rosacea to flare. Hot water also can irritate rosacea-prone skin. When possible, wash rosacea-prone skin with lukewarm water.

If you have any questions about how to handle your rosacea-prone skin, Parkway Skin Centre’s staff is always available for consultation.

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