Sharing what I recently learned about rosacea because there’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially among people “of a certain age” such as myself.

You probably know that rosacea is a skin condition that makes a face look red, blotchy, or flushed. And you may recall that W.C. Fields’s nose was legendary because he had rosacea with rhinophyma (ryno-fee-ma) – it caused his nose to become disfigured and bulbous. But did you know that a severe case of rosacea can mimic acne? And in 30% of individuals with rosacea it also affects the eyes? And if left untreated, it gets worse.

Rosacea was first described in (Western) medical literature in the 1300s, in France. However, the first medical treatment recognized by the FDA became available in 1988. It wasn’t until 2002 that medical professionals had a standard classification system for this chronic, progressive *condition. (*At first, I typed “skin condition” but I quickly deleted “skin” since this disfiguring disease can also affect the eyes – and vision.)

Standard medical treatment consists of avoiding things can cause flare ups, topical medications, and perhaps a systemic anti-inflammatory or eye ointment. Treatments can make one’s skin especially prone to burning, so an effective sunscreen is also essential, even for “just a few minutes” outside.

Doctors Greger (nutritionfacts.org) and Fuhrman (drfuhrman.com) recommend dietary changes to treat sensitive skin. There are several testimonials on Dr. Fuhrman’s site from people who have reversed or halted the disease progression through diet. If you’re familiar with disease reversal through whole foods, recall that the skin is often the first organ to show distress from an improper diet and the last to heal. So, it’s not really an either/or situation; one can begin allopathic treatment while also making dietary changes. Be sure to inform your primary care doctor if you make drastic dietary changes!

For about the past 18 months I thought I might have rosacea: it runs in my family, my face developed some permanently ruddy patches, and for the past few months any heat or exertion has made my cheeks and nose beet red until I cool down. And I’ve always had sensitive skin. But I avoided going to the doctor because I didn’t realize treatments had been developed. Nor did I realize it could affect my vision! I am very glad an esthetician suggested I might want to see a doctor and that, in fact, treatment is available.

To learn more about this condition, including all signs & symptoms, head over to https://www.rosacea.org/