[Lynnlee]

Rosacea is a skin condition caused when clusters of facial capillaries near the surface of the skin become dilated. The result is a red, inflamed look, usually found on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.


Steps:

1. Clean skin gently. Use a mild cleanser and avoid grainy cleaners or anything that can irritate your skin.

2. Wear gentle sunscreen - try one formulated for babies - whenever you go out. The sun can aggravate your condition.

3. Try to stay cool, as heat may aggravate the condition. Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment on hot, humid days and spray your face with water. Drink cool drinks.

4. Eat foods at room temperature and allow steaming hot beverages to cool down a few degrees before you drink them. This will lessen the effect on your skin.

5. Tone down your use of spices. Hot salsa, curry and chiles can create further inflammation. You don't have to eat your food bland; just lower the spice level and the frequency with which you eat very spicy foods.

6. Avoid saunas, steam baths and hot tubs. Also avoid facial steams.

7. Keep your bath and shower water warm, but not hot. Use water as cool as you can tolerate it.

8. Check your diet. Certain foods may be aggravating the condition. Start keeping a food diary, writing down what you eat and how your face reacts to it.

9. Try using pure aloe vera gel. It can be very soothing and healing. If it irritates your skin, discontinue it.

10. Use primrose oil - 500mg, three times a day. It is helpful in healing many skin disorders.



Persistent redness can be treated by a licensed dermatologist with a small electric needle or by laser surgery to close off the dilated blood vessels. You can also cover the area with cosmetics, but be careful that they don't further aggravate your skin.