Rosacea

Rosacea affects the face of adults and is common in men and women. It usually peaks in the thirties and forties but can happen in the young or old. It is more common in those prone to flushing attacks which can set off papules, pustules and other inflammation. The cheeks, nose, centre of the forehead and chin are most commonly affected.

The course of Rosacea is often prolonged with exacerbations and remissions.

Causes or triggers

The cause is unknown but rosacea is often seen in people who flush easily in response to warmth, spicy food, alcohol or embarrassment. One hypothesis is that the warmer skin may cause bacteria to behave differently, setting off papules, pustules and other inflammation.

Demodex mites (parasites) are strongly linked to Rosacea. They are four times more prolific on the skin of people with Rosacea. Topical treatments alone usually fall short of effectively treating this condition. At Auckland Skin Clinic we use broad-spectrum antimicrobial herbal formulas to target the mites without upsetting the skin’s microbiome. We also use natural topical anti-parasitic treatments that do no harm. We target the underlying cause while also reducing inflammation and improving the appearance of the skin.

Rosacea occurs in men and women and there are many four common subtypes:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea, which causes redness and visible vascularity on the face
2. Papulopustular Rosacea, which coexists with acne-like pustules
3. Ocular Rosacea, which can affect vision and can cause styes, dry eyes, photosensitivity or eye irritation
4. Rhinophymatous Rosacea, which causes a progressively more bulbous nose if left untreated

Some people present with peri-oral dermatitis and rosacea concurrently, and many people with this condition are chemical sensitive.

Other triggers may include:

• Environmental triggers like sun exposure, cold or hot weather, wind, hot baths
• An inflammatory diet high in sugar, spicy foods and/or alcohol
• Food intolerances or hormonal imbalances causing flushing
• Lack of exercise and healthy detoxification
• Emotional stress and the psychological impact of the rosacea itself

Demodex mites live in hair follicles on their hosts and feed on dead skin cells, oils and hormones. Hormone imbalance is common in people with Rosacea. We test hormone levels and balance hormones naturally. We use herbs and nutrients to nurture the glands that produce hormones so your body can make its own. This is preferable to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with synthetic hormones often causes dependency. The body just doesn’t see the need to make the hormones you’re replacing.

Our approach

Regardless of the cause or the age of onset rosacea can be painful, can contribute to negative self-image and self-esteem and can be difficult to manage on a day to day basis.

Rosacea is a multi-factorial condition thus the Integrative Dermatology approach to treating rosacea is holistic at its essence. Safe, topical agents and cleansers are used to help support healthy skin, while hormonal imbalances, underlying infections, dietary, environmental and lifestyle triggers are identified and addressed.

At Auckland Skin Clinic, we’re aware that having a chronic skin disorder can be very frustrating, embarrassing and depressing. We are also aware that it often requires some major effort on your part to change your habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. We do our best to ensure your emotional wellbeing is supported throughout this process.