Misconceptions about Rosacea:
Rosacea Sufferers should fight through Treatment-Induced
Irritation because Their Skin and Blood Vessels will Adapt

Topics Discussed Below

• Misconception: Rosacea sufferers should fight through treatment-induced irritation
  
• Main problem with this misconception
  
• References

I. Misconception: Rosacea Sufferers should fight through Treatment-Induced Irritation because Their Skin and Blood Vessels will Adapt

This is a common misconception that general physicians have about rosacea treatment. The problem with this misconception is that it usually aggravates the underlying vascular disorder. For this reason, rosacea experts instruct their patients to never fight through facial irritation or redness. (33-38) Medical experts stress that in individuals with sensitive skin, any form of irritation makes the skin more vulnerable to subsequent irritation. (39) Recovery of sensitive skin and blood vessels only occurs when exposure to topical irritants is stopped, and the skin is allowed to heal. (39)

II. Main Problem with this Misconception

This misconception is harmful to rosacea sufferers. Not only does it have the great potential to worsen rosacea symptoms, but it can also set into motion a disturbing series of events: physicians prescribe topical irritants to treat rosacea bumps and uneven skin texture….. these irritants increase facial inflammation and flushing….. physicians then prescribe topical steroids to reduce the facial inflammation….. these steroids thin the facial skin, weaken the blood vessels, and cause vascular hyper-reactivity. This results in significant progression of the entire vascular disorder. This vicious cycle, once set into motion, is very hard to break.

III. References

33. Wilkin, J.K. Use of topical products for maintaining remission in rosacea. Arch Dermatol 135: 79-80, 1999.

34. National Rosacea Society. "Rosacea Review". Spring. 1997. Drake,L.

35. Wilkin, J.K. Rosacea. Int J Dermatol 22: 393-400, 1983.

36. Plewig, G. and A.M. Klingman. Rosacea. In: Acne and Rosacea, edited by G. Plewig and A.M. Klingman. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1993, p. 433-475.

37. Wilkin, J.K. "Recognizing and managing rosacea". Drug Therapy 41-45, 1993.

38. National Rosacea Society. "Rosacea Review". edited by J.K. Wilkin, 1994.

39. Van der Valk, P. "The treatment of irritant contact dermatitis". In: The Irritant Contact Dermatitis Syndrome, edited by P. Van der Valk and H. Maibach. New Yrk: CRC Press, 1996, p. 357-359.

 

 

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