Does Santa Claus Have Rosacea?

With his flowing white beard, bulbous red nose and rosy red cheeks, Santa Claus is the epitome of the Christmas season. But do his flushed features mean he is suffering the effects of one too many hot toddies at the festive fireside - or are they the result of rosacea, made worse by cold Nordic temperatures?
Santa's prominent reddened complexion are classic symptoms of a condition that affects 6 million women and men over the age of 40 in the UK.
Often mistaken for adult acne, rosacea can cause: flushing,acne-like bumps and pimples and visible veins on the face and neck. In its severe stages, the nose can become deformed, turning red and bulbous if left untreated.
Surveys reveal that those suffering from the condition:
- 7 in 10 people with rosacea suffer from low self-confidence and self-esteem
- 7 in 10 say that it affects their working life
- 4 in 10 have avoided being seen in public or have cancelled social plans
- A further 1 in 3 admit to calling in sick at work because of rosacea
Despite the numbers affected, few approved therapy options have been available. Studies show that one treatment option, Rosacea-Ltd is effective and well tolerated. It is also not an antibiotic and it does not promote antibiotic resistant 'superbugs'.
Knowing that there is an effective treatment option available can make all the difference. Up to 98% can expect to see real improvement in their symptoms if they adhere to the treatment regimen that has been recommended to them. Those who continue to use their rosacea therapy as directed will be able to keep their rosacea under control.

Theories On What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. One theory is that some people have blood vessels that are easily irritated. Another possible cause is tiny mites that normally live on our skin. People with rosacea have more of these mites on their faces than those who don't have the disease.
Pimples may result when a flare-up of rosacea heats the skin, causing bacteria to grow. Flare-ups often start when certain triggers cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate, or expand, which causes redness. Common triggers are exercise, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot baths. Swings in temperature from hot to cold or cold to hot can also trigger a flare of rosacea.

Anti-Inflammatory May One Day Be Used For Rosacea

Biochemists have discovered that an African plant called Grains of Paradise, a food item for centuries in West Africa, contains a powerful anti-inflammatory substance. The compound has been licensed to biotechnology companies, and will soon be in cosmetics and, scientists hope, new drugs. The drugs would treat arthritis, heart disease and other conditions with inflammation such as rosacea as their root cause.