It is a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It can become ruddier and more persistent over time, and visible blood vessels may appear. Without treatment bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue.

It is rosacea, pronounced roh-zay-sha, and it affects an estimated 14 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society Web site, www.rosacea.org. The cause of rosacea is unknown, although several theories do exist. One is that the disease may be a component of a more generalized disorder of the blood vessels, which could explain why rosacea sufferers have a tendency to flush. Another theory is changes in normal skin bacteria play a role. Other theories suggest the condition is caused by microscopic skin mites called demodex folliculorum, fungus, a malfunction of the connective tissue under the skin, or even psychological factors, according to NRS, however none has been proven.

A new Canadian product called the Face Doctor claims to destroy the mites and replenish and revitalize the elements that make up healthy skin.
“In the western hemisphere (rosacea) has not been addressed as a parasite, but as a bacterial infection,” said Derek Lepage, public relations coordinator for Face Doctor. “Doctors here did 30 years of research and found that this parasite exists in the (facial skin’s) hair follicle. The parasite lives under the skin and feeds off the oil found inside the hair follicle.

“The redness appears when the parasite chews its way through an oil gland,” Lepage said. “The pore becomes enlarged and then plugged with bacteria and that’s when acne develops.” Being treated for the bacterial infection means the skin will clear up because of the medication, but the rash will come back because the parasite hasn’t been treated, according to Lepage.
The FaceDoctor soap contains and ingredient that will kill the parasite - seabuckthorn oil, according to Lepage.