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Rosacea: Dealing Day-to-Day
Reviewed By: Rosacea is a skin condition of unknown cause. It affects millions of Americans, in particular those with fairer skin and of English, Irish and Scottish heritage. The condition itself cannot be prevented or cured. Without treatment, it tends to become progressively worse over time. However, there are many treatments available to prevent flare-ups and improve your rosacea. 1. Identify and avoid your rosacea triggers. It is important to identify the triggers that cause your rosacea to flare up. By identifying these triggers, you can avoid them, thus preventing the flare-up. Different people have different factors that trigger their rosacea. What may act as a trigger for one person may not affect another. Common triggers, however, include:
2. Combat dry skin. Rosacea is often associated with dry skin. Furthermore, dry skin can worsen the symptoms of rosacea. Because of this, maintaining proper moisture in the skin is an important aspect of rosacea treatment and prevention. Bathing is an essential component of good hygiene. However, it can cause skin dryness and irritation. To minimize these effects, you can limit the frequency of bathing, limit bathing time and use appropriate soaps. You may also wish to use a moisturizer as a part of your skin care and rosacea prevention routine. Moisturizers work by either preventing water from escaping or by slowly releasing fluids into the skin. Moisturizers should be applied to the skin immediately after bathing. Many people experience drier skin during cold weather. These conditions also can trigger a flare-up of rosacea. As a result, additional skin care steps may be necessary during the winter. You may benefit from using a humidifier, which increases the amount of water vapor in the air. Another option is to wear gloves, a scarf and a hat to protect areas of exposed skin. 3. Know the risks of your antibiotics. Medications are often important in the treatment of rosacea. When dealing with rosacea medications, it is very important to keep in mind all the potential risks and side effects. Antibiotics, either topical or oral, are often used in the treatment of rosacea. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any antibiotic, either over-the-counter or prescription. Antibiotics may not be an option, or may require close medical supervision, if you have a chronic skin rash, skin ulcers, liver disease or kidney disease. Antibiotics are generally safe, but can produce reactions and even serious medical complications in some people. In addition, adverse reactions to antibiotics may be more serious in people with weakened immune systems. Vaginal yeast infections, which are also called candidiasis, are a common side effect of antibiotic use in women because they can allow an overgrowth of normal body organisms, such as yeast. This may be avoidable through daily consumption of "live culture" yogurt, which is available at any grocery store, while undergoing antibiotic therapy. Other possible but relatively rare complications of antibiotic therapy include kidney failure, liver abnormalities and pseudomembranous colitis. This condition is caused by the killing of "good" bacteria by antibiotics, thus allowing for the growth of another bacterium, Clostridium difficile. This bacterium is responsible for watery and bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Pseudomembranous colitis is treated with an antibacterial drug, such as metronidazole or vancomycin. 4. Know the risks of other medications. In some cases, acne medications, particularly sulfur and azelaic acid, may also be used in rosacea treatment. However, such medications are usually not recommended if you are known to be sensitive to related drugs. In general, you should avoid contact with topical treatments in the eyes, mouth, nostrils, mucous membranes, open wounds and red or raw skin. Side effects of acne medications vary depending on the type. Common side effects of nonprescription acne medications include reddening, swelling, dry skin, burning sensations, itching and peeling skin. The prescription medication isotretinoin is associated with numerous side effects, including severe birth defects or miscarriages when used during pregnancy. Women of reproductive age are required to use two separate, effective forms of birth control for one month before treatment begins, during the entire course of treatment and for one month after treatment ends. Pregnancy tests are performed every month during treatment, as well as before the first dose and after the final dose. Other isotretinoin side effects include:
You can lower your risk of side effects by using your medication exactly as directed by your dermatologist. Although many people believe that using their medication more frequently than prescribed will speed up the clearing of their skin, it may actually irritate the skin, delaying clearing time, and increase the risk of side effects. When taking any form of medication, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. These substances may interact with your medication.
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