How to Treat and Manage Rosacea
Having rosacea means struggling with redness and/or pimple-like lumps that can affect your appearance and your self-esteem. But, although rosacea is difficult to cure, it can be managed after the correct assessment and by reducing triggers. A qualified skin specialist can help you devise a skincare plan that can be used to reduce skin symptoms and severity. Other experts, such as a natural health practitioner and a general practitioner may also be able to help you achieve clearer skin and minimise rosacea flare ups. Here’s some steps you can take towards managing and treating rosacea.
Avoid the triggers
Because skin experts know that sunlight, alcohol, hot drinks. spicy foods, saunas and steam rooms, and hot sweaty gymnasiums can all aggravate rosacea, it makes sense to try to avoid, or reduce, your exposure to these factors. At North Coast Medispa, our skin specialists and dermatologists are able to help clients work out what is triggering their skin condition.
Heat can cause a flare up, so it's best to avoid spas and saunas. It pays to be careful about UV exposure too, and limit spicy food or hot drinks, too.
Wear a sunblock to protect your skin
Wearing a sunblock of at least SPF30+ is important for anyone who wants to protect their skin from UV damage. “But, for those who suffer from rosacea, it’s especially important, as long as they choose products that are mild, fragrance free and non-greasy,” says Nurse Practitioner Kerry Lynch. For cleansing, she also suggests going gentle with a milky product, or micellar water.
Consider laser treatment for rosacea
Shutting down the tiny blood vessels that are creating redness is a first line treatment for rosacea and will show immediate results. A series of IPL and laser treatments, after any pimples and lumps are treated by a dermatologist or GP, are recommended. These may need to be done annually to maintain a non-red complexion, says Kerry. Obviously, it makes sense to avoid other treatments such as microdermabrasion that may aggravate a skin troubled by rosacea, or anything involving heat such as a facial that includes steaming.
Check that your diet supports your skins health
Eating a fresh, natural diet makes sense for any health condition. Make sure you maximise fruit and vegetables, oily fish and nuts and seeds. There is early evidence that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc sulfate may help reduce flare ups. Making sure you include prebiotics and probiotics in your diet is also a good idea for gut health and overall wellness. Foods that contain these include yoghurt, kefir, bananas, apples, miso, apple cider vinegar, garlic, kombucha and sauerkraut.
Talk to your GP
Your doctor may prescribe gels or creams that help to reduce redness, or antibiotics that help deal with moderate to severe cases of rosacea with bumps and pimples. Sometimes acne drugs are used, but these are not suitable for pregnant women.
Treating and diagnosing rosacea
At North Coast Medispa, our nurses are all members of the Australian Dermatology Nurses Association and can help recommend skincare products that suit your skin type and assist you with your skin care needs. They can also refer you to our specialist dermatologists for chronic skin concerns. Rosacea is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and medical history. Sometimes, a doctor may want to take blood tests.
For more about what causes rosacea, go to: Rosacea and Everything you Need to Know
It is always best to book an appointment to talk to one of our skin therapists about your specific skin concerns and what we can do to treat them. Please contact us on 1800 186 333 or email us at info@northcoastmedispa.com.au to book your next appointment.
