Odd title, eh? At least I think so, because I am pretty darn healthy. I exercise. I am well within my BMI range. I don’t smoke, and drink very little alcohol. So, what is it about my health that I need to get real about?
Well, I have rosacea, which is a chronic skin condition. It has a quite devastating effect on the face. For the last twenty years, my face has been a red, itchy, bumpy mess. Supposedly, there are triggers that I can avoid to alleviate the symptoms. The problem is, I cannot figure out what my triggers are because my face is always inflamed.
So, what is there to get real about?
I have done my research, lots and lots of research, and everything points to rosacea being an autoimmune condition. This means the rosacea is a symptom of a deeper problem. It is not about getting real about rosacea; it is about getting real about about my immune system.
After twenty years, why now?
I would like to say it is because I care enough about my immune system to finally make very real changes. But, that would not be the truth. Here’s the truth:
1. Vanity
Up to now, I have coped with an inflamed face by minimizing the redness with green foundation and concealer. Minimizing. The rash is still very much there. But, I am now making more and more in person appearances through Silver & Grace. Heck, I am even showing up on TV.
Dag nab it! I want to look good! It is as simple and as vain as that.
2. Creepy Crawlies
Scientists have never been able to figure out exactly what causes rosacea. Until two months ago, when a clever scientist discovered a creepy crawlie called a demodex mite. That lives on your face, no less!
Apparently, everyone has these microscopic critters living on their face, about two mites per square centimeter. People with rosacea can have up to twenty per square centimeter.
Okay EWWWWWWW!
I have seen all those blow up pictures of mites living in our bed mattresses and crawling all over our cheese, and I could live with that. Out of sight, out of mind. But the thought of a whole community of these little beggars crawling all over my face FREAKS ME OUT, and I want them gone.
How do these mites link to rosacea and an out of whack immune system?
What I am about to describe is not for the faint of heart. Run away now if you get queasy!
When these demodex mites die, they decompose right in your facial pores releasing feces. That’s right. Poop. Right in your pores. The sheer number of mites on a rosacea sufferers face causes an immune reaction and tissue damage.
But it is a vicious cycle. You have all these mites in the first place, because an out of whack immune system changes the chemicals in the sebum (oil) on our face, which is like candy to the mites.
The solution? Improve the immune system!
Improving my immune system means I have to make very real changes in my diet. This is where I have fallen short in the past. But no more. Mites be gone! is my new motto.
Why will I be sharing this journey with you on a blog dedicated to living intuitively day by day, minute by minute?
Because in order live an intuitive life, you need to be true to yourself. Not just spiritually and emotionally, but physically as well. I know there are other women out there who struggle with the aspect of being true to themselves physically. By sharing my challenges I hope to inspire others to share and address their own challenges.
To follow along on my journey, and not miss out on my posts, please join me on the Silver & Grace Facebook page by clicking here: Silver & Grace.
Let’s talk!
In the comment section below, I would love to hear your answers to some or all of these questions:
- Do you have rosacea? Has it impacted your self-image and self-esteem? Any hints and tips on alleviating your flare ups?
- If not rosacea, do you have another physical health challenge that needs to be addressed? Care to share what it is?
- Have you successfully overcome a physical health challenge? What motivated you to finally take charge of the situation?
Eliza, wishing you lots of healing for your immune system affecting your Rosacea! I've been on a journey to bring my shoulders out of my ears…: )…meaning I'd lived with tightness against the wounds of life all over my body. After lots of Pilates, Rolfing, massages, and more, plus healing the spiritual/emotional issues, I'm gaining new ease in my body that's priceless. And I notice that with me dropping my breath lower, my shoulders back where they belong, and centering daily, I'm sinking deeper into my work in the world to inspire all the peace and joy my soul longs to inspire. Gratitude!
Eliza, wishing you lots of healing for your immune system affecting your Rosacea! I've been on a journey to bring my shoulders out of my ears…: )…meaning I'd lived with tightness against the wounds of life all over my body. After lots of Pilates, Rolfing, massages, and more, plus healing the spiritual/emotional issues, I'm gaining new ease in my body that's priceless. And I notice that with me dropping my breath lower, my shoulders back where they belong, and centering daily, I'm sinking deeper into my work in the world to inspire all the peace and joy my soul longs to inspire. Gratitude!
Dear Eliza…I too have dealt relentlessly with rosacea. For many years I have tried every remedy from homeopathic to prescription medication. I have it slightly under control and learned to deal with constant breakouts, ruddy skin and downright poor self-esteem issues. I've changed my eating habits, to those of healthy, unprocessed food. Drink only small amounts of wine now and then, and try not to let stress get to me (a component that throws my whole immune system out of whack). I don't take medications any more – they didn't seem to help just the same, and limiting use of certain facial products seems to have help. I only take vitamins now as well as a good pro-biotic daily, in the form of Kefir or organic yogurt. Mostly I found, it was my mental health that needed adjusting. I know at times that I tell people who are going through troubles, that they need to breathe. It's really not that far-fetched. I've learned that I can control my stress levels through steady and calculated breathing. I also find that by taking the time to breathe steadily, I can clear my head and think more clearly. A win-win situation. Oh, it doesn't necessarily solve all my problems, but it does let me control them better. I also find if I take walks to de-stress, it also helps. I most likely will have rosacea all my life, but if I learn to cope with it, it doesn't seem to bother me as much. Remember that we're finely tuned "machines" that, at times, need some adjusting. Even if it's just a little. If you need to chat, remember that you're not alone and feel free to drop a line. Take care, friend.
It seems to me that the demodex mite is the same one that causes one of the kinds of mange in dogs, (and I suppose other animals as well). Having worked as a lab technician I have seen many different kinds of skin conditions that are difficult to both live with and care for. I hope you have found a solution that works for you.
Good luck on this journey Eliza…I will definately follow you on this one…I have Rosacea too but mine seems to just be a slight redness and has not gotten any worse over the years but yes stress does cause me problems too…I also use the green make up and it helps conceal it a little but it would be so nice to have it gone!
I don't have rosacea; but had to make dietary changes 11 years ago. For years I struggled with stomach issues and am now gluten free, dairy free, beef makes me sick if I eat it and also have a epi pen for shellfish. Once I figured out what was making me sick and eliminated the foods, I was a different person. I don't miss the other foods I used to eat, there are other foods that are just as good. I think when your rosacea clears up, you won't want to go back to eating foods that cause it. Good Luck:)
I have rosacea and it is flairing this week. It started with red cheeks! People were telling me that I simply looked healthy.. and in my early 40s, the rosecea expanded all over my face and my self-image got a hit. Since then, I tried a tons of products and prescriptions. Food is definitivelly part of the puzzle. I find that cutting the red meat helps. For this time around, it could be almost anything or a multitude of small things. Yes, I did eat red tomatoes, cheese cake, danced and enjoyed the SPA during the ThanksGiving weekend! I also experienced a burst of undesirable work related stress last week that most likely triggered the start of it and I did tried to ease off the stress by doing to much of Fall cleaning! I need to avoid being to warm.. so cleaning, gardening, dancing.. can trigger it. That is one of the reason why I love water. It keeps my face cool. I do wash morning and evening and I use La Roche-Posay line of products. I see a difference since I apply their 60 FPS Solar cream every morning. I also clean my bed sheets every week but not the pellow case every day.. I will try out your trick to cover the pellow case with a clean towel!