While everyone's attention is directed toward the news broadcasts, there is one organ in our body that speaks what we are trying to repress: The skin. If you have noticed that your face is redder than usual, stinging, or suffering from acne–like pimples that do not go away, you are not alone. Last month was International Rosacea Awareness Month, and indeed there is a seasonal increase in its symptoms; in current Israel, it is a matter of much more than aesthetics.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease, meaning it is dormant and awakens according to the triggers of the moment. Among all of these, one stands out especially and particularly in Israel, and that is: The frequency with which emotional stress meets us. It feels as though our body's nervous system in recent years has been in a state of "overdrive," and indeed this thing has quite a few implications for the soul, skin health, and our lifestyle which changes accordingly. Emotional stress causes blood vessels to dilate and triggers the release of inflammatory mediators within the body, and the first organ to ignite is the skin. Our sympathetic system (the part of the nervous system responsible for the reaction to emergency and stress situations in the body) is in a constantly alert state, which increases the skin's reaction and its initial flare–up.
April is not just awareness month; it is the starting line of the race against the Israeli sun – the most cruel trigger for Rosacea patients. UV radiation in Israel strengthens significantly during this period, but the cool spring breeze misleads us and there is a tendency not to protect ourselves from the sun as in August. It is important to understand that sun protection is critical all year round and the sun's rays are already strong during most hours of the day, specifically in the spring–summer months (May to October). The meaning of treatment now is correct and fundamental in order to prepare the skin and prevent its flare–up in the summer, before there is a worsening of damages.
Factors affecting the flare–up of the condition
Genes – if any family members suffer from it, there is a high chance that more family members will suffer.
Age – Rosacea disease can appear at any age, although it is more common among those aged 30 and over.
Skin type – those with fair skin have a higher tendency for Rosacea than those with dark skin.
Increased sun exposure – people who spend a lot of time in the sun have a higher chance of Rosacea.
Taking certain medications – topical steroids, for example, can increase the risk or worsen symptoms for those who already suffer from the condition.
Gender – the disease is more common among women, although in men the symptoms are often more severe.
The stage after "reddish skin" is a mirror of the price of neglect. In most cases, the tendency is to think that Rosacea symptoms, that redness, is a struggle only with the unaesthetic appearance, but without treatment, the disease may deteriorate into less pleasant medical conditions such as skin thickening in the nose area, and in rarer cases, damage in the eye area and more.
Advanced medical solutions
Various laser technologies: Today this is the "gold standard" for treatment. The light rays act in a focused manner on the dilated blood vessels, causing them to shrink and making the permanent redness disappear. This is a treatment that changes quality of life and restores the skin's uniform texture.
Medicinal treatments: Dedicated anti–inflammatory ointments and oral treatments (by swallowing) to calm the breakout during inflammatory stages.
Rehabilitative treatments: Injection of soothing substances and skin barrier restorers directly into the dermis layers to lower the skin's level of sensitivity.
Quick checklist for spring survival
1. Physical shield only: Use sunscreens based on minerals (zinc or titanium). They are not absorbed into the blood and do not heat the skin like chemical filters.
2. Active cooling: Keep thermal water in the refrigerator and spray on the face the moment you feel stinging – the immediate cooling stops the dilation of blood vessels.
3. Do not wait for the routine after the war: Early diagnosis by a dermatologist can prevent permanent deformities and complex invasive treatments in the future.
Dr. Sivan Mercer is an expert in dermatology and laser, a senior physician in the Advanced Technologies Unit in the Dermatology Department at Ichilov Hospital.