red, white, and blue: skin disorders

flaw (noun) an imperfection or weakness and especially one that distracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness.  

Flaws; we all have them. They are a part of being human, but they don’t have to define us or ‘hinder our effectiveness’. Today I’ll be discussing three common skin conditions and how to manage them.  

**Disclaimer: As an esthetician, I cannot diagnose or treat skin disorders. I can only help educate and aid in managing some of the cosmetic symptoms. If you believe that you may have a skin condition, please refer to your dermatologist first.



RED ROSACEA:

What is it? Rosacea appears as a red rash to appear on the cheeks, nose, and chin. It can also cause red papules or pustules (acne) in extreme cases and can lead to extreme hypersensitivity in the skin and can actually be quite painful.

 How does it happen?  It is chronic inflammatory condition of the skin in which small capillaries on the surface of the skin (also known as telangiectasia) become inflamed and broken. This causes the red and flushes look described above. Rosacea most often occurs in middle-aged women with fair skin but can occur in men and at a variety of different age groups as well.  

How to manage it?  If you’ve already been to a dermatologist and have been diagnosed and are just working on managing the cosmetic symptoms there are a few things you can do. Get to know your body! When you get a flare-up, take notes about the weather, what you’ve been eating, and any new products you’ve tried. Environmental and diet factors pay a big role in the causes of Rosacea flare-ups. Stress and sun exposure can also be aggravating and cause issues. Wear an SPF with no fragrance or one that works for your skin. Green tea, bilberry, and chamomile are all ingredients that have antioxidants in them to help soothe inflammation. (Consult with your doctor before trying any new products.)

Photo From Dermatology Advisor

 WHITE SUN SPOTS:

What is it?  Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is the technical term for the little white teardrop spots that can appear on the arms, legs, chest, and back. Another better-known term for these is simply, “sun spots”.  These sun spots are flat and very small and almost look like reversed freckles.

How does it happen? The term “idiopathic” means the cause is unknown, though there are speculations. Sun-spots are more likely to appear in those over 40 and are thought to be due to over exposure to UV rays throughout the years. The white in them is due to a lack of melanin production.

How to manage it? These spots may be extremely annoying, but they are essentially harmless. While there is no treatment that can rid of them fully, some treatment options can help reduce the appearance. Localized microdermabrasion, and heavy exfoliaiton to help promote a faster cell turnover.  Some retinols can assist in evening out the area and of course cosmetic cover up. If you’re extremely concerned about them, consult your dermatologist for other options like skin grafts, and light cryotherapy.

  BLUE VARICOSE OR SPIDER VEINS

What is it? Spider veins are small red and bluish veins that become visible under the skin and can look almost like a lightening strike. Varicose veins are much bigger and thicker and can actually protrude from the skin and be quite painful.

How does it happen? Spider veins or Telangiectasia occur when small blood vessels become dilated. You may also hear them referred to as broken capillaries. Spider veins are often seen in those with rosacea or can brought about harsh exfoliation resulting in trauma to the skin. Varicose veins occur when larger blood vessels become twisted and swollen. Pregnant women, those over 50, and standing for long periods of time can be risk factors for varicose veins.

 How to manage it? For smaller and less intense cases, varicose veins can be improved by using Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage or MLD massage. MLD is a low-pressure form of massage that aids in moving lymph fluids throughout the body aiding in circulation and overall wellbeing. For more painful cases, MLD is still effective but be sure to be extra careful. Compression stockings and socks are also great ways of using low-pressure to help encourage lymph and blood circulation. As for all of these conditions, be sure to consult your doctor before following up with any treatment.  

Photo From Medical News Today