Good health is something we all strive for. Fortunately, with appropriate care and concern, it can be achieved for most people. The same is true for skin health. Healthy skin not only has a significant impact on our general self-image and therefore the quality of life, but it also speaks volumes about our overall health. Rosacea is one such skin condition. The month of April is regarded as ‘Rosacea awareness month’. So we took this opportunity to talk about the condition hoping to answer some of your questions. For a more detailed discussion, you may want to speak to our pharmacists at Guildview pharmacy.
Rosacea is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin conditions in Canada. It is characterized by the presence of redness or flushing and visible blood vessels on the face. It may also be accompanied by the occurrence of small red pus-filled bumps on the face, spreading/widening of follicles, skin thickening, swollen nose, burning or stinging, and symptoms involving the eyes (such as redness, dryness, and appearance of visible blood vessels on the lid margin, etc.). Flushing is typically present in the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin areas and intensifies periodically with certain triggers.
The underlying cause of rosacea is not entirely understood, however, it is thought that it may involve certain immune system pathways. The treatment mainly comprises the use of antibiotics like doxycycline and metronidazole as the presence of a particular kind of bacteria on our skin may be contributing to the activation of those pathways. Other therapies are mainly targeted toward flare prevention and symptom management such as the use of sunscreen, redness control, and the use of camouflage makeup, etc.
In order to have good control over the condition, it is essential to be aware of and avoid the triggers that may worsen rosacea. Most commonly observed triggers include but may not be limited to heat, sunlight, hot beverages, emotional stress, spicy foods, and alcohol. Additionally, certain medications are also known to worsen rosacea. For more information, speak to our pharmacists at Guildview pharmacy in person or over a phone call.
If you think you may be exhibiting symptoms of rosacea, it is essential that you see your doctor for a thorough assessment so that it can be ruled in or out. There is an increasing body of evidence that suggests that rosacea may be a predisposing factor or a marker for certain health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, migraine, depression, and heart disease.
If you are looking for more information on Rosacea, our pharmacists are available during regular pharmacy hours at Guildview pharmacy to help you understand the condition better. We take pride in empowering our clients.