Rosacea

It affects a large percentage of the South African population. Most individuals do not realise that they have Rosacea or that it can be treated. It is often seen as an “aesthetic” issue and not a medical condition. Rosacea mainly affects individuals over the age of 30. It is more common in women but men often have more severe symptoms.

This may be due to men failing to receive treatment in the early stages of this condition. Rosacea is more likely to develop in fair skinned individuals.

In Rosacea, the patient’s facial blood vessels are extremely dilated. This increases the blood flow to the skin and gives the appearance of flushing or redness. This redness is often accompanied with other primary of secondary symptoms.  Although there is limited evidence to prove that Rosacea is genetically inherited, there a high incidence of patients developing Rosacea when they have relatives with the condition. The National Rosacea Society found that nearly 40% of rosacea patients have a relative with similar symptoms ⁽¹⁾.

There are no diagnostic or genetic tests to determine whether you have Rosacea. It is diagnosed through physical examination and the presence of primary or secondary symptoms.

The most common symptom of Rosacea is flushing or persistent redness on the cheeks or nose. In severe cases small “spider” veins will be present.

Types of Rosacea

There are 4 subtypes of Rosacea. These subtypes present with a combination of primary and secondary symptoms. The Rosacea patient may numerically progress through these subtypes as their condition worsens. Rosacea cannot be cured but with treatment the symptoms may be prevented or reversed. Without treatment it is possible to progress from early stage Rosacea to late stage Rosacea more quickly. The National Rosacea Society says that it is not uncommon to progress through these stages in less than one year ⁽¹⁾.

Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic.

This is characterized by flushing and persistent redness, and may also include visible blood vessels ⁽²⁾.

 Subtype 2 – Papulopustular.

This is characterized by persistent redness with transient bumps and pimples (acne Rosacea) ⁽²⁾.

Subtype 3 – Phymatous.

This is characterized by skin thickening, often resulting in an enlargement of the nose ⁽²⁾.

 Subtype 4 – Ocular.

This is characterized by ocular manifestations such as dry eyes, tearing, burning, redness, light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, and potential vision loss from corneal damage ⁽²⁾.

Images from the National Rosacea Society http://www.rosacea.org/patients/faces.php

Dermalex Rosacea

Dermalex Rosacea hasbeen developed to target the main symptoms of Rosacea: flushing and presence of “spider” veins. Dermalex Rosacea contains:

• Trisolve complex: This restores and moisturises the skin. It restores the natural structure of the skin preventing substances from penetrating and damaging the skin.
• UV filters: This helps prevent flare ups by protecting the individual from UV radiation.
• Green pigment: This conceals or covers up the redness, reducing its visibility
• Esculin: This prevents the collagen breakdown, reducing the visibility of the blood vessels but also providing an anti-aging effect
• Glycyrrhenic Acid: Provides a soothing and calming effect by reducing inflammation.
• Series of other soothing  and calming ingredients to reduce the feeling of discomfort

Dermalex Rosacea can help reduce the visibility of symptoms and keep the condition under control.

References

1. The National Rosacea Society. http://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php
2. The National Rosacea Society. http://www.rosacea.org/patients/faces.php
3. Rosacea Triggers: A survey by the National Rosacea Society of 1,066 rosacea patients showed which factors affect the most people: http://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/triggersgraph.php

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