Rosacea: Do's And Don'ts

For the over 14 million Americans who live with rosacea, facial redness is a far cry from blushing. Rather than a reaction to embarrassment, this chronic condition is often a cause of it. Worse, rosacea is uncomfortable, often painful, and can be a regular and recurring annoyance, especially if you don’t do the right things, and avoid the wrong things, in your skincare, diet, and lifestyle.

Fortunately, most people with rosacea can manage the condition and reduce flare-ups and symptoms with some common sense and simple steps.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that primarily appears on the face, especially the nose and cheeks. The condition manifests itself as areas of redness and irritation, but upon a closer look are actually clusters of pustules or bumps. In addition to the face, rosacea can also appear on the chin, ears, forehead, chest, and back.

While genetics are believed to be a primary reason certain people develop rosacea, other factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing rosacea symptoms, including:

• Abnormalities in blood vessels
• Demodex folliculorum, a usually harmless microscopic mite
• pylori bacteria, a bacteria found in the gut, produce proteins that cause blood vessels to dilate.
• Cathelicidin, a protein that usually protects the skin from infection, may cause and contribute to the redness and swelling.

Rosacea Do’s and Don’ts

For those trying to minimize the visibility and discomfort of rosacea symptoms, Miami dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso recommends the following:

• DON’T consume too much caffeine, red wine, spicy foods, and hot beverages. For many folks, these foods and drinks can cause rosacea flare-ups.
• DO avoid overheating and avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures or wind as all of these can aggravate rosacea
• DON’T wear wool scarfs or those made of rough fabrics that tend to irritate the neck and face.
• DO use broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as sun exposure can flare rosacea, and these ingredients are the least irritating.
• DON’T rub, scrub, or massage your face too often or too vigorously.
• DO keep your skincare routine simple. The fewer products you use, the better. When using hairspray, cover your skin so the spray doesn’t get on your face.
• DO see a dermatologist if you are having a difficult time controlling your rosacea symptoms or have other concerns about your condition.

Rosacea Help and Treatment in Miami/Coconut Grove

If you’re suffering from chronic red facial skin, contact dermatologist Dr. Mariano Busso to discuss prevention, treatment, and living with rosacea. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Busso online.