Red cheeks can be endearing in self-humbling moments when all eyes are drawn to you in silent surprise. However, chronic redness around the cheeks, nose and forehead is often symptomatic of a commonly misdiagnosed problem called rosacea. As common as the condition may be, the cause is still unknown and despite what many cosmetic companies would have you believe, there is no cure. April is rosacea awareness month, so what better time to dispel the myths around associated with redness and rosacea.
Myth 1. Antibiotics can cure rosacea
Many cosmetics companies market treatments for rosacea, but the truth is there is no cure. Antibiotics such as tetracycline or erythromycin may minimize redness, but unfortunately they will not cure rosacea. As consumers become more health conscious, natural solutions for rosacea are increasingly being sought after. Thujaplicin, a molecule that derives from the Western Red Cedar tree, has natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties. It may manage the condition, but again there simply is no cure.
Myth 2. Alcohol abuse causes rosacea
Alcoholic beverages like red wine can trigger rosacea flareups, but the exact cause of rosacea is unknown. There are many popular theories about the causes of rosacea. Genetics, intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and a heightened level of Demodex mites (microscopic mites that live around your hair follicles) are just a few.
Myth 3. Rosacea is another term for adult acne
Rosacea is not adult acne. However, it is commonly misdiagnosed. Rosacea is an inflammatory process that can cause the skin's blood vessels to over dilate. What separates rosacea from adult acne and other skin conditions are the unique environmental triggers (including things like spicy foods, stress, or excessive heat) and a tendency to flush. These triggers affect people differently and cause periods of increased symptoms, or 'flareups.' Since there is no way to eliminate all triggers completely from your lifestyle, it's important to know your own body and identify your particular triggers. Rosacea sufferers should also avoid products with dyes or fragrances and instead opt for hypoallergenic ingredients.
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For example, Oracea (time-release doxycycline) has been useful for me, significantly decreasing the number of papules. Topical sulfur/sulfacetamide has also caused some improvement, as well as avoiding oil-based moisturizers (Clinique's anti-redness line hasn't helped with my redness at all, but it's the only moisturizer I've ever found that doesn't make me break out) and using mineral powder makeup instead of liquid. Metronidazole made things worse for me, but it is beneficial for some people. Laser treatment is expensive, but may be helpful for some patients with certain types of severe redness.
Thank you for dispelling some of the myths about Rosacea. For your next article, I hope you'll consider writing about some of these "potentially helpful" treatments ...about medications and treatments that should be avoided...and where to find more (and reliable) information and support.
I don't know if the meds have anything to do with it, but that's what happened.
The clinique product line and others like it gently lessen the degree of redness which is what sufferers wish.
Therefore they work.