ACNE ROSACEA
Although somewhat similar in name to common
acne, acne rosacea bears no resemblance to it in appearance or mechanism.
Popularly, it is often termed "whiskey nose," which could hardly be
more erroneous. Rosacea occurs in people who have never touched alcohol. It
involves excessive flushing of the blood vessels of nose and cheeks. A nervous
reflex may be a factor in such excessive flushing, and drinking alcohol may
encourage the reflex, but the alcohol is not essential. With long-continued
abnormal flushing, the blood vessels become more apparent, and nose size may
increase. Even the worst case of acne rosacea can be cured. And, in mild or
early stages, the problem often can be controlled by simple measures: frequent
application of cold water, witch hazel, or ice to help contract the blood
vessels. Pat or rub on gently; do not massage. It is also often helpful to
minimize intake of alcohol and of hot and spicy foods.
SKIN ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES The skin,
if a tough organ, is also a sensitive one. It can mirror emotions; it can also
mirror internal allergic states. People have long been familiar with one form
of allergy manifested in the skin-hives. In hives, superficial areas filled
with a watery fluid appear and disappear on the skin, often itching quite
severely. Hives may pop up after a particular food is eaten. Nettle rash, drug
rash, and urticaria are other names for similar conditions. Itching from
allergic reactions can be relieved by application of calamine lotion available
in any drugstore or by bathing in water containing a cupful of bicarbonate of
soda per bathtub of water.
Of course, the best thing to do, when
possible, is to identify and avoid the substance that produces the reaction.
Sometimes, this is not difficult. Many people have been able to determine for
themselves that they get hives or "break out" after eating
strawberries, for example, or after using a perfumed soap, wearing certain
types of fabric, or taking a certain medication. It is certainly not difficult
to discover that one is allergic to poison ivy or poison oak. There are
instances, however, when it requires the detective skill of a specially trained
physician-a dermatologist or allergist-to determine whether, in fact, a
condition is really due to allergy and, if so, what the culprit substance or
substances maybe.
