Noxema & Rosacea
Noxzema Anti-Acne gel, regular strength pads and maximum strength pads contain salicylic acid that, according to the International Rosacea Foundation may help control the symptoms of the skin condition rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by a red appearance on the face. Typically, the redness is caused by small, red, bumps or pustules. The condition is mostly found in adults and unfortunately seems to get progressively worse if left untreated.
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Defined
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Spicy foods can contribute to a flare-up of rosacea. Frequently mistaken for acne, eczema or a skin allergy, experts at the Mayo Clinic say that a persistent red appearance on the face could be the skin condition rosacea and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Although it seems to recede and flare up in cycles, rosacea is thought to be caused by a combination of envirnonmental impacts and hereditary. The flare-ups can be linked to stress, strenuous exercise, alcohol, heat and even drugs that dilate blood vessels.
Noxema Function
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Reducing inflammation during a rosacea flare-up can be done with topical ointments or oral medications. The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid found in Noxema and many popular acne treatments is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that decrease the flare-ups of the pustules or red bumps that characterized rosacea. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that depending upon the strength and form in which the ingredient is used, it can be effective in treating a number of additional skin conditions including seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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Side Effects
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Excessive ringing in the ears can be an indication of salicylic acid poisoning and should be checked out by a doctor. Mild stinging when using salicylic acid products is the most common and least serious side effect users encounter. However, the International Rosacea foundation cautions potential users that dizziness, confusion, continuous ear ringing, rapid breathing and severe or constant headaches can also occur from using salicylic acid. Consult you physician immediately as these symptoms could indicate a sign of salicylic acid poisoning. Pregnant or nursing women are discouraged from using it because it's absorbed into the skin.
What to Avoid
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Cigarette smoking and facial astrigents can irritate and increase the signs of rosacea. Since rosacea is a condition that is not curable, experts at Rosacea-Ltd III suggest avoiding vascular dilators like caffeine, cigarettes and excessive sugar that can increase the appearance of the rosacea flush. In addition, they suggest avoiding alcohol, steroids, hot baths and astringent facial products that cause pores to shrink and will trap excessive skin oils that can cause additional irritation on the already stressed skin. They encourage drinking plenty of water for hydration, facial exercises and using either jojoba oil or safflower oil for moisturizing.
Theories/Speculation
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Research is still ongoing as to whether the use of salicylic acid products to treat rosacea are as beneficial as other less irritating choices. Rosacea Research Specialist, Dr. Geoffrey Nase, PhD. cautions rosacea suffers that the use of salicylic acid products is still controversial. His theory is that even though the ingredient may be helpful in reducing the inflammation of the actual red bumps, it can be irritating to the facial skin and blood vessels themselves. Since most rosacea patients suffer from an overall flushed or red-faced appearance, any product that irritates the facial skin or increases the appearance of blood vessels will make the condition look worse even though the bumps are reduced.
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References
Resources
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