When the facial skin blooms rosacea

When facial skin blossoms: Rosacea treatment takes time

30/10/2014

The skin disease rosacea is by no means a malignant or even contagious disease. Nevertheless, the occurrence of noticeable changes in the facial skin is advised to a quick specialist visit, because the rosacea typical skin lesions such as pustules or redness often cause psychological problems in those affected. „Whether it is rosacea or another skin disease with similar symptoms, ultimately only a dermatologist can determine”, emphasizes Renate Donath, member of the board of the Federal Association of German Beauticians (BDK).

Course begins with redness
The rosacea begins with redness of the skin and then forms nodules and purulent pimples on the face. Here, the course is similar to the flowering of a rose plant, which derives the name of the disease. „A connection with acne exists in principle, nevertheless the Rosazea is to be regarded as independent illness”, explains Ingo Schugt from the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD). According to the association, there are currently around four million cases of rosacea in Germany.

Causes unclear
There are no clear scientific explanations of the causes yet. „It is believed, among other things, that an excessive immune response could trigger inflammation in rosacea”, explains Tonja von Seelen from the Association of German Pharmacists (BVDA). „However, rosacea may also be due to a circulatory disorder of the vessels in the facial area”, supplements Schugt to the Aachener Zeitung. It is also possible that it is hereditary or is based on hormonal changes. Adult, fair-skinned individuals of skin types I and II are more likely to become ill than people with darker skin. Like Dr. Kurt-Heiner Schlacke, Dermatologist from Bremerhaven, explains on the website of the BVDD: „Therefore, the disease is often referred to as the curse of the Celts.”

Illness by no means just a cosmetic problem
The course of the disease has several stages. First, redness of the facial skin occurs in phases, which then remain permanent. This is followed by pustules, purulent pimples and severe inflammation. The reddening of the nose can eventually also thickening of the same, colloquially called tubers or drunken nose. „The symptoms can be boosted by the consumption of alcohol, spicy food or stress”, says of souls. Since everyone reacts differently, each affected person has to find out for himself what makes the symptoms worse. Sun baths and sauna visits should be avoided, as the Aachener Zeitung continues to report.

Schlacke emphasizes, however, that this is not just a cosmetic problem: some forms of the disease can cause a fever. In addition, it can spread to the eyes, which can lead to blindness of the person concerned. He therefore recommends timely intervention: „The sooner the treatment starts, the better the chances of getting the disease under control.“

Proper skin care important
Skin care plays an important role. „The facial skin should be cleaned with a mild and pH-neutral cleaning foam”, guesses. Subsequently, for example, anti-inflammatory creams can be applied. „Anything that goes on with high-fat care should be avoided by the patient as it increases their symptoms”, explains the dermatologist. „Azelaic acid is often prescribed as a gel”, reports of souls.
Metronidazole is also one „proven active ingredient“ which is available in ointment and gel form and helps to relieve the symptoms. In addition, affected women can use a special camuflage make-up to cover the skin lesions.

Cortisone only in case of emergency option
Use of cortisone should be avoided, as the symptoms are more pronounced when discontinuing the drug than before use. „Cortisone ointments are not an option and are reserved for absolute special cases such as severe inflammatory rosacea variants”, explains.

Alternative treatments
Instead, tablets may be prescribed in addition to skincare. In addition, Renate Donath recommends facial massages: „The massage is performed with the fingertips with more or less strong pressure, depending on the facial area.” „The massage is an intensive vascular training and important if the skin is to become healthy”, Donath adds. In advanced cases e.g. however, with bulbous nose, laser therapy or surgery is often necessary.

As a home remedy for rosacea, Donath recommends elderflower blossom water to treat facial skin. In addition, "warm compresses with tea tree oil can help, but allergy sufferers should be careful.As stress is considered causal, come in naturopathy additionally regulating treatment approaches for example, yoga or autogenic training can promote stress relief and thus contribute to the healing in homeopathy The active substances abrotanum, potassium, phosphoricum and potassium sulfuricum are used, and the so-called hydrotherapy is promising. „Rosacea is easy to treat, but patience is often needed to see improvements in the appearance of the skin,” so good. (Jp)