health
Rosacea myths vs facts
Think rosacea is caused by poor hygiene or only affects fair skin? Think again. We bust the big myths with an expert ' s insights so you can stop the flare-ups and give your face the TLC it deserves.
Rosy cheeks might be cute on your little one, but for many adults( especially exhausted, sleepdeprived parents) unexplained facial redness, bumps and sensitivity could point to something more persistent: rosacea. And while it’ s a common condition, it’ s also a hugely misunderstood one.
We spoke to Dr Avela Mayekiso, a dermatologist at Netcare Sunward Park Hospital, to bust some of the biggest rosacea myths and set the record straight, because your skin deserves the same care and attention you give your little one.
MYTH 1
Rosacea is caused by poor hygiene
Fact: Nope, this one needs to go straight into the bin.
“ Rosacea is caused by vascular and inflammatory dysfunction,” explains Dr Mayekiso.“ In fact, over-cleansing and using harsh products can make it worse by aggravating the skin and worsening inflammation.”
Tip: Avoid alcohol-based cleansers or rough exfoliants. Gentle is always better.
MYTH 2
Coffee and caffeine are to blame
Fact: It’ s not actually the caffeine... it’ s the heat.
“ It’ s the thermal heat from hot drinks that can trigger flushing in sensitive skin,” explains Dr Mayekiso.
Tip: Let your morning cuppa cool down a bit before sipping. Iced coffee, anyone?
Rosacea is caused by drinking too much alcohol
Fact: While alcohol can be a trigger, it’ s not the root cause.
“ Alcohol may increase facial flushing and contribute to inflammation,” explains Dr Mayekiso,“ but it doesn’ t cause rosacea.”
MYTH 4
Rosacea is contagious
Fact: Absolutely not.
“ Rosacea isn’ t an infectious disease,” says Dr Mayekiso.“ Antibiotics can be used to manage it, but that’ s because they work on bacteria that contribute to inflammation – not because rosacea is catching.”
MYTH 5
MYTH 3
Only fair-skinned people get rosacea
Fact: People with darker skin tones get rosacea too – it’ s just harder to diagnose.
“ Rosacea is often under-recognised in patients with darker skin,” says Dr Mayekiso,“ but it affects all skin types.”
MYTH 6
Rosacea is curable
Fact: Not yet, but it’ s very manageable.
Dr Mayekiso explains,“ We can control it with a combination of medical therapy, sun protection and some lifestyle changes.” �
Dr Mayekiso’ s top tips for managing rosacea
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Don’ t wait it out
“ See a dermatologist as soon as you notice symptoms,” she urges.“ We want to prevent irreversible damage, especially thickening of the skin.”
Protect your skin
Avoid the sun, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks. Stress management helps too, though we know that’ s easier said than done when you’ ve got toddlers!
Stick to your treatment
“ Follow your dermatologist’ s advice and ask about maintenance therapy to keep flare-ups at bay,” says Dr Mayekiso.
30 www. babysandbeyond. co. za