Red spots on the skin, feeling hot and itchy, mainly in the face area: these are some symptoms of rosacea, an inflammatory and chronic vascular disease that affects about 10% of the Brazilian population. There are many people who carry this condition and have no idea – or even know, but have a number of doubts about it.
Is rosacea curable? Is it possible to prevent these red spots on the skin? What is the best treatment? To clarify these issues and raise awareness about rosacea, Care for Life talked to dermatologist Elizabeth Senra, who provided details on the causes, symptoms and indications for therapy for this disease. Check out!
What is rosacea? Understand more about this skin disease
A rosacea It is a disease linked to the vascular system, of an inflammatory nature and without cure. “It has periods of remissions and exacerbations and, in many cases, it is mistakenly called acne rosacea due to the similar clinical aspects between the two”, says the doctor. This condition affects between 1.5% and 10% of the population, mainly affecting adults between 30 and 50 years of age. “Women are more affected, but many men have this condition, which tends to be more serious, progressing to rhinophyma – a disease that causes the gradual increase of the nose”, warns the specialist.
What are the causes of rosacea?
The causes of rosacea are still quite unknown, but the dermatologist points out two scenarios, based on scientific studies, that can lead to the disease:
1) Individual predisposition – more common in whites and descendants of Europeans;
2) genetics – as 30% of cases have a family history.
In addition, Dr. Elizabeth adds: “Currently, we know that rosacea can be triggered by a strong influence of psychological factors (stress) and by the participation of a mite called demodex and the bacteria Bacillus oleroniuswhich are part of the normal flora of the skin and in some predisposed individuals”.
Is it possible to prevent rosacea?
The dermatologist says that it is not possible to prevent the disease itself, but that it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of rosacea by maintaining a well-regulated routine: “We managed to make the patient keep a diary of the worsening (and remissions) relating this to their activities such as food, stress and other factors and, thus, arrange for him to stay in remission most of the time”.
But how is this done? Avoiding very hot and spicy foods, trying your best do not drink alcohol, doing therapy sessions and adopting techniques to relieve stress throughout the day. With these very simple attitudes, it is possible to maintain control of rosacea.
Is rosacea curable? Know the ways of treatment
As it is a chronic disease, the expert reveals that rosacea has no cure, but reassures those with the condition, saying that there are several treatment options. Among them, the dermatologist mentions:
1) Remove and control all aggravating or triggering symptoms, such as alcoholic beverages, sun exposure, wind, cold and hot food intake;
2) depending on the clinical picture, treatment may involve cleaning the face with soap suitable for sensitive skin and the use of a sunscreen with high protection against UVA and UVB and with a suitable vehicle for the patient’s skin;
3) use of topical antimicrobials and antiparasitics;
4) oral use of medications to treat skin inflammation;
5) in the office, we were able to help more assertively, taking care of the skin with lasers, botulinum toxin and injectable procedures.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
