The flushing of rosacea can cause a significant detrimental effect on self-esteem.  Embarrassment and frustration can lead to stress and it is well known that stress alone may be a large contributing factor in the progression of the disease.

Extent of the problem:

It is estimated that 14 million Americans suffer from this disease (45 million world wide).  Flushing is the single most common sign and consistent skin redness is the second most common sign recently reported in a survey by the National Rosacea Society*.  Eye irritation, facial itching and dryness were also significant signs as well as papules and pimples often developing during the course of the disease. Ocular rosacea is a serious condition that affects the cornea of the eye and physician consultation is recommended.

Cause of the problem:

The cause of rosacea is unknown.  The redness of rosacea comes from a condition known as telangiectasias.  this is a vascular problem that develops when the small superficial blood vessels of the skin enlarge and dilate abnormally.  Bacterial infections have been theorized but no evidence is available proving a causal relationship.

Treatment of the problem:

If you are suffering from rosacea it is recommended that you log onto a web site created by David Pascoe. It is a very valuable source of excellent information about the disease and its treatment. The web address is http://rosacea-support.org.

Historically, oral and topical antibiotics have been used.  The pharmacologic basis for this therapy has a common denominator in that most express some degree of anti-inflammatory activity.

Rosacea is an inflammatory disease of the skin. Strata-C is anti-inflammatory when applied to the facial skin. The two key ingredients are Cyclic AMP and Evening Primrose 0il.

Strata-C accomplishes the following objectives:

• Reduce the inflammatory response of rosiatic skin
• Soften the skin with emollients
• Reverse the dryness and itching with moisturizers
• Reduce the formation of free radicals generated by ultra violet light, with antioxidants

* the National Rosacea Society has free educational materials and supports research programs on the cause and treatment of the disease.  The society can be contacted by e-mail at rosacea@aol.com.  Or call toll free:  800-No-Blush. Their website is: www.rosacea.org