| Are you a chronic
blusher? If so, be forewarned. Rosacea, a chronic condition
characterized by repeated blushing, is on the upswing--striking
baby boomers in growing numbers.
No one knows for sure what causes this potentially scarring
disorder that affects more than 13 million Americans. The
comedian W.C. Fields was believed to have had a severe form
of rosacea, which today can be minimized with facial plastic
surgery.
Symptoms
Rosacea seems to affect more men than women, often triggered
by the hot flashes of early menopause. It may begin as early
as adolescence, however, when it is sometimes mistaken for
acne.
The condition begins with episodes of pronounced flushing
of the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Over time, the flushing
causes the blood vessels of the face to become permanently
dilated, leading to a reddened appearance. In the next stage,
red bumps, like tiny pimples, occur all over the face.
If not treated, rosacea causes permanent scarring brought
on by thickening of the skin and the over production of collagen.
In extreme cases, this can lead to rhinophyma--a condition
in which the nose becomes red and enlarged, resulting in a
"W.C. Fields' nose." Rhinophyma is more common in
men. |
|
Treatments
If you suffer from rosacea, ask your facial plastic surgeon
about your treatment options.
You may be advised to avoid anything that triggers flushing,
including exposure to the sun, alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate,
and certain skin care products. Rosacea can be controlled
in many cases with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
If you're in the early stages of rosacea, you may be treated
with antibiotics to reduce the inflammation. Drugs that relax
the blood vessels or an anti-inflammatory cream may be prescribed
for long term control. In some cases, hormone pills may be
given to reduce premenopausal hot flashes.
If you have a severe case, your facial plastic surgeon may
recommend treatment with a special device called a flash-pumped
dye laser. This laser produces a beam that passes harmlessly
through the skin to shrink enlarged blood vessels. If you
have scarring from the disorder, a CO2 laser can shave away
tough layers of scar tissue to restore a smoother appearance
to your skin. |
