Rosacea - The Red Mask

Acne rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease that affects about 14 million Americans between the age of 30 and 60 and is more common in women than in men. It is more likely to affect fair skinned people of European or Celtic descent. Rosacea is characterized by facial redness (erythema), bumps and pimples (papulopustules), and spider veins (telangiectasia). The condition is chronic and gets worse over time. It is cyclical and flares up for weeks and months and then subsides.

Triggers for rosacea usually involve anything that causes the face to become flushed, such as demanding exercise, sunburn, stress, anxiety, and sudden changes in temperature like moving from a cold to a hot environment. Other triggers arise from food and drink that cause flushing, such as alcohol, hot caffeine drinks (tea, coffee), and certain spicy foods. Rosacea can even be triggered by blushing with embarrassment.

However, a new study reveals that people with rosacea have high levels of an anti-microbial peptide called cathelicidin in their skin. This peptide produces certain proteins, which are not found in people who do not have rosacea. Another important contributor is an enzyme called stratum corneum tryptic enzyme, or SCTE.

Basically, the over-production of these two inflammatory proteins leads to high levels of a third protein that causes rosacea symptoms.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are numerous treatment options available to control it. Many patients have had success with antibiotics, which work to inhibit the enzymes. But the best success rate has come from patients who undergo laser treatment. The new Sciton laser is equipped with precision frequencies to better target, penetrate, and erase the broken blood vessels found commonly on the cheeks and nose of rosacea patients.

For more information, visit SkinDoc.net

Comments

[snellie]

I have been using your kaplan products for 4 months now, and not only does my skin just GLOW, but even my rosacea seems to have gotten better! I am not quite as red on my nose and cheeks anymore. No other product I've used my entire life has had this type of change on my skin. I use the Serum, night cream, and day moisturizer religiously.

[ann]

I wanted to thank you for such easy to read, thorough information. As I've gotten older, I just assumed I was getting "rosy old cheeks!" I am relieved to know that there are lasers today to get rid this. I figured I was saving a fortune on blush, but it's been spreading further down my cheeks, and my nose, and I've already heard a few comments, namely from my husband, that I've gone a bit overboard with my blush!

[lisa]

I always wondered what to do about this excessive redness on my cheeks, and I thought there was a serious problem with it. I learned today that it is a disorder and I'm not really alone, there really are a lot of people experiencing the same symptoms. I only learned now of the term rosacea but now thanks to this blog I have more awareness and understanding of this disorder and the steps I can take to counter it.

[Paul Acnezine Hancock]

"Many patients have had success with antibiotics, which work to inhibit the enzymes. But the best success rate has come from patients who undergo laser treatment"

That's interesting. Your blog is very well written and since you are a MD, I guess we might have some different views on things since I'm currently working as a herbalist. One of my clients had great results with laser treatment for treating Rosacea, but what do you think about Acnezine and other herbal products?

[Vijeth Kumar]

This Is true. I have been facing a lot of problems with this.
After a long search i found that laser gave me the best solution and result. Thank you Dr. Stuart Kaplan.

[Jane Keller]

I have mild rosacea and have been using kaplanMD products in my daily skin regimen. Just wanted you to know that I have noticed a major improvement in the condition of my skin since using this product!

[Henry Switzer]

Acne can be embarrassing at the best of times. I would try going into a site called Epinions.com and find out what users are saying about various products. Good hygene which involves regular bathing helps a lot. Good internal health is a major contributor to healthy skin. Consider going to see a wholistic health professional, they have some great supplements. Try and stay away from the junk foods. I’ve also had good luck with a product called Acnezine. Below are a couple of articles I found you might find helpful. All the best!