The dermatovenerologist told about the danger of rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is manifested by redness, dilated vessels, nodules, and pustules. The rashes are located exclusively on the face. Marina Gureeva, Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatric Diseases at the Medical Faculty of the State University of Education, a dermatovenerologist, told Izvestia on May 28 about the causes of the disease and complications.

"The disease has a wave—like course - periods of exacerbation are followed by remission. It is more common in people with fair skin (type I–II phototype) aged 30-50 years, but it can also occur in young people. Predisposition to pathological changes in blood vessels, stress, hormonal imbalance, and exposure to chemical agents can contribute to the development of the disease. The inflammation can be aggravated by the presence of the Demodex folliculorum mite in the skin," the doctor explained.

According to her, the trigger for the disease can be sunburn, severe stress, prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures — outdoor work, in hot workshops, professional winter sports. A diet with the use of large amounts of hot food and drinks, tonics and spices, alcohol abuse, some cosmetics — alcohols, perfumes, abrasive scrubs - can also affect.

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Among the possible complications, the expert named thickening of the skin of the nose, forehead, chin, as well as eye damage (ophthalmosacea) — dryness, conjunctivitis, keratitis — and the occurrence of concomitant psychological problems (low self-esteem, anxiety due to appearance). In addition, vasodilation may become permanent.

For rosacea, it is not recommended to use hard towels, scrubs, mechanical cleaning, alcohol-containing tonics and aggressive cosmetics. However, you should not go to the sauna, steam room with hot compresses, or be in the sun without SPF protection (at least SPF 30-50 is needed). You should not drink hot coffee or tea, alcohol, or eat spicy food.

The dermatovenerologist added that a complete cure is impossible, but stable remission can be achieved. She recommended making changes to diet and lifestyle, eliminating triggers (alcohol, spicy, caffeine, eliminate the effects of high and low temperatures), and managing stress by practicing yoga and meditation. At the same time, concomitant diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract and hormonal disorders should be treated.

"Rosacea requires a comprehensive approach: drug treatment (prescribed strictly by a dermatovenerologist, depending on the clinical form of the disease), proper care, exclusion of provoking factors. At the first symptoms, contact a dermatologist to choose an individual therapy," advised Gureeva.

Earlier, on April 16, Natalia Mikhailova, a cosmetologist and creator of the MESALTERA by Dr. Mikhaylova brand of professional cosmeceuticals, told Izvestia that mild cleansers should be used in the warm season — foams, gels or mousses with the addition of acids or enzymes. They effectively dissolve sebum and impurities without damaging the skin. At the same time, aggressive formulations and excessive mechanical peeling should be avoided.