Show red to ‘Celtic Curse’
Tips to beat skin condition
ROSACEA is the skin condition so common in Ireland, it’s known as the “Celtic Curse”.
The chronic, inflammatory problem affects the face, causing redness, flushing and acne-like spots and is seen mostly in those with fair skin.
As many as one in ten Irish people suffer from it, but many don’t know what is or what to do about it, skin expert Eavanna Breen says.
While there is no “cure” as such, there are ways to clear and manage it.
So as April is Rosacea Awareness Month, Eavanna has outlined the most common causes and symptoms of this uncomfortable and unsightly condition – and given advice on combatting flareups.
She says it not only affects our skin, but also our self-confidence and social lives, as those suffering can find they don’t want to be seen with it.
It can affect those with sensitive, beautiful skin – with famous sufferers including actress Renee Zellweger and performer Dita Von Teese.
Eavanna – who looks after the skin of celebrities such as Thalia Heffernan and Samantha Mumba – explains what it is, why it’s an Irish problem and how we can successfully tackle it.
She says: “We have one of the highest rates of rosacea sufferers in the world.
“However, although it is so commonplace, and particularly for the Irish ‘Celtic’ skin type, remarkably we still don’t know exactly what causes the disorder.
“Some theories suggest it’s down to an autoimmune response to bacteria, while others point to a mite that we all have in our skin called Demodex – it’s been seen to occur in larger numbers on rosacea skin types than others. But there’s still no definite answer.
“What we do know are the signs rosacea is coming.
“It generally shows itself around the central panel of the face; down the nose and across the cheekbones. “It will present with one or more of the following symptoms: flushing, persistent redness, pustules, and papules, telangiectasia (in other words ‘thread veins’), dryness, burning, or stinging.
“It’s important to have any symptoms sufficiently examined by a skin expert like myself, and have them diagnose the issue before considering any treatment.”
Eavanna says: “Some people misdiagnose themselves with acne when it is actually rosacea they have.
TRIGGERS
“Months, even years, go by with them attempting to self-fix the problem with acne solutions. So much time is hence wasted treating the problem with the wrong solution, to no results.”
Although no definitive cure is available for rosacea, it can be treated and kept under control in plenty of ways.
Understanding the triggers and effects of rosacea is crucial in its management. It significantly impacts sufferers’ confidence and social life.
Rosacea’s visibility can lead to self-consciousness and even avoidance of social situations, affecting overall well-being.
Common triggers for rosacea include factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, temperature changes and exposure to UV light.
Identifying and managing these triggers can play a pivotal role in reducing flare-ups and managing symptoms effectively.
Eavanna says: “Learning to identify your condition’s individual triggers is key in treating rosacea symptoms. By paying attention to your diet and lifestyle, you can quickly spot what’s causing your flare-ups and start eliminating them.
Eavanna’s top 5 tips
1. Learning To Identify: Recognise individual triggers and seek professional guidance for effective management and the best skincare route to treat it.
2. The Usual Suspects: Avoid common triggers such as alcohol, acidic foods, refined sugar, processed meats, dairy, spicy foods, stress, excessive heat, intense exercise, and UV exposure.
3. Effective Sun Protection: Prioritise daily application of highquality sunscreen to shield against UV damage and reduce flare-ups.
4. See A Skin Expert: Consult with a skin specialist to explore tailored treatments such as Laser Genesis, which can help manage symptoms and improve skin condition.
5. The Right Skincare For You: Invest in skincare products tailored to your skin’s needs and seek expert advice for recommendations.
Eavanna’s Skin and Laser clinic is in Dublin 2, see eavannabreen.ie for more details.