Rosacea Information

Who does Rosacea affect?
Rosacea is a chronic disease which afflicts over 16 million North Americans. Rosacea is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 65 but rosacea has been known to afflict even children. The people who are the most prone to acquiring Rosacea are fair skinned adults and especially women.

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic (meaning long term) skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. In its beginning stages this common skin disease, which causes subtle redness in the center of the face, may come and go on its own. But, if left untreated, Rosacea may develop into some inflammation, accompanied by skin eruptions, and may gradually become chronic and even permanent. Furthermore, the skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch. About half of Rosacea sufferers also complain of symptoms with their eyes, also known as Ocular Rosacea.

The medical breakdown of Rosacea:
Rosacea is caused by the dilation of tiny microvessels called arterioles, capillaries, and venules, which occurs close to the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out with blotchy red areas called papules. A papule is a red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus (unless the papule is severe). These papules have three classifications; minor, moderate and severe. A minor Rosacea papule is the size of a small measles lesion. A moderate Rosacea papule is the size of a pencil eraser. A severe papule is the size of a coin and also contains pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps).

Daily tips that all rosacea sufferers should be practising:

1. Wash with water that is lukewarm, not hot.

2. Use our gentle (non-abrasive) cleanser applied with the fingers, not a cloth.

3. Blot dry, but do not rub, with a thick-pile cotton towel

4. Wait for the skin to dry completely. If a cleanser hasn't been used, 5 or 10 minutes will be sufficient, otherwise waiting 20 or 30 minutes may be preferable.

5. Apply ZenMED Rosacea Cream. If any stinging is felt, increase the time between cleansing and applying the medication.

6. Wait another 5 or 10 minutes before applying any cosmetics or moisturizer.

7. It is extremely important to be aware of your sun exposure as this can worsen your Rosacea symptoms. Be sure to apply sun-block as part of your daily routine.