Rosacea is a common condition characterized by redness of the face from dilatation of the small blood vessels (capillaries) that lie just under the surface of the skin. Often this diffuse redness (erythema) is studded by red bumps (papules) that often get yellow heads on them (pustules). Sometimes the oil glands (sebaceous glands) of the skin especially on the nose begin to enlarge and may even distort the nose. This is the so-called “W.C. Fields” nose. Rosacea is a form of folliculitis (inflammation of the pores) and tends to affect the central part of the face where the oil glands (sebaceous glands) are most numerous. At times the rosacea may even affect the surface of the eyes (rosacea keratitis) and cause a “gritty” feeling in the eyes and make them bloodshot. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown but many doctors think the mites (tiny eight legged creatures) that live in our pores may be instrumental in causing the rosacea. These tiny mites (Demodex folliculorum) actually live in everyone’s pores and in the pores of all species. For reasons not completely understood, but probably related to excess skin oil production, the mites wreak havoc in many people.
One of the best treatments for rosacea is washing your face twice daily with CutiCareMD® sulfur soap. The sulfur in the soap is actually lethal (miticidal) to the mites in the follicles and over a period of time will help to smooth and normalize your skin. When used regularly with the gentle pressure of a washcloth CutiCareMD® sulfur soap also helps clear the pores of dead skin and excess oil to keep the follicle functioning properly and letting your skin breath.
There are other steps you may take are to avoid exacerbating conditions. For example, caffeine is known to make rosacea worse. As you know, caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, cocoa, etc. Alcoholic beverages are also very important exacerbating substances. Being in a hot environment will even make things worse. If you use products on your skin, be sure they are free of oils, waxes, lanolin, and glycerides that only plug the pores and make things worse. If you use sunscreen lotion, be sure it has a gel formulation and is not white and creamy (even if it states “oil free”). Your makeup should be a loose powder, rather than a liquid or pressed powder. Whatever you do, try to eliminate all these exacerbating factors. Using our CutiCareMD® sulfur bar soap will go a long way to helping you control this vexing problem. CutiCareMD® sulfur bar soap is formulated with a mild glycerin base with no preservatives or sensitizing chemicals. In addition, it is lanolin (sheep sebum) free and completely oil free. Lanolin not only can plug the follicles, but some people develop an allergy to it causing a red, itchy, rash. CutiCareMD® products are formulated and tested by a dermatologist with your best interest in mind. Not all sulfur bar soaps are created equal!
