Rosacea |
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Rosacea appears as redness or an acne-like rash on the face, especially on the cheeks and nose. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne or an allergic reaction that worsens over time and can affect your eyes. According to the National Rosacea Society, 78 percent of Americans are not aware of this condition, how to recognize it, nor how to treat it. Since many over-the-counter products can exacerbate the condition, a differential diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for proper treatment.
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| How can I distinguish among rosacea, acne, and allergies? |
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Rosacea usually occurs among fair-skinned individuals who tend to blush easily. Rosacea may appear as acne or a rash; however, upon close observation the skin condition differs:
• Small, broken blood vessels may be visible on the face. • Small cysts or pustules appear, which differ from pimples, blackheads or acne caused by clogged pores. • The affected area worsens and spreads over time, despite allergy medications such as antihistamines. For example, the small cysts may harden to appear as knobby bumps that spread. • Patches of skin appear red from irritation, usually on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. • Nose may appear swollen. • Eyes can become watery, pink or irritated. • Facial areas that appear as blushing don't return to normal skin color. |
| What causes rosacea? |
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The cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure for the condition. Rosacea can be an inherited condition and is more prevalent among those with fair complexions. Men and women between 30 and 60 years of age have a higher incidence of rosacea outbreaks. Triggers include excessive sun exposure, heat, stress, alcohol, spicy food and fluctuations in hormones (such as menopause) that cause blood vessels on the surface of the skin to dilate.
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| How is rosacea treated? |
Once rosacea is diagnosed, oral antibiotics are often prescribed and dermatologic treatment is performed to reduce skin thickening and enlarged pores associated with the condition. Identifying each individual's triggers and making appropriate lifestyle changes can help reduce future outbreaks.
Dermatologic treatment to reduce skin thickening and enlarged pores includes photodynamic light therapy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, and dermabrasion. Nonsurgical options to control mild to moderate rosacea include topical sulfur products. Since there is no cure for rosacea, the goal of treatment is to control the outbreak and to promote remission of the condition. Topical sulfur penetrates the superficial layers of the skin to produce a mild oxidative effect for micro-exfoliation and antibacterial action followed by normalized pH. Sulfur compounds support protein biosynthesis in the epithelial layer to support cellular growth and function. Sulfur is considered an effective treatment for rosacea and optimizes the absorption of topical medications a physician may prescribe. KAVI products that contain colloidal sulfur provide the same potency as other products containing precipitated sulfur but at a fraction of the concentration. Consequently, KAVI colloidal sulfur products are less irritating and more pleasant to the senses. KAVI DermaWash and Aqua KAVI contain colloidal sulfur and are formulated for daily use on sensitive and normal skin, respectively. Both products are suitable for facial and body cleansing, to help manage areas where rosacea may spread (such as on the neck or chest). |
| What can I expect from treatment? Do they work? |
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Depending on the severity of the condition, a healthcare professional may prescribe a combination of oral and topical medications in addition to dermatologic treatment and lifestyle changes. Surgical treatment such as laser surgery or cryosurgery may require temporary wound management to promote healing. Topical treatment with KAVI sulfur-based cleansers can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and in some cases, treatment lasting 12 weeks can be enough alone to relegate rosacea into remission.
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| What can I do to manage future outbreaks? How can I improve my skin care routine? |
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Once the condition is under control, remission may persist by continuing lifestyle changes, including avoiding extended exposure to the sun and regular use of gentle colloidal sulfur products such as DermaWash and Aqua KAVI. Other KAVI products may also be incorporated into your daily routine for continued results.
Additionally, the ingredients in the KAVI Toner are designed to gently remove skin build up and reduce irritation. KAVI Toner contains low concentrations of salicylic acid and resorcinol to provide an ideal final-stage cleanser for reactive skin conditions. Resorcinol is a plant derivative that helps to soften thickened skin and reduce itching and irritation from healing skin. Salicylic acid stimulates gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin for a smoother appearance. Finally, KAVI Complex C is specially designed to address dehydration and dermal degeneration which can reduce the appearance of spider veins or superficial blood vessels and redness associated with rosacea. KAVI Complex C contains the body's natural moisturizers, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans, to improve skin hydration on a cellular level for optimized rejuvenation. The active ingredients in each KAVI skin care product are formulated to gently support each stage of treatment and maintenance. KAVI skin care systems are designed to work in synergy, safely and effectively restoring balance and beauty. |
