From: David Pascoe
Date: Thu Feb 25, 1999 1:01 pm
Subject: [rosacea] ANA and Power Peels (fwd)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Geoffrey Nase
Subject: ANA and Power Peels
Hello Group,
Recently I saw some messages regarding anti-nuclear
antibodies (ANA) and power chemical peels.
1. I believe I read a message from a female and a male who mentioned that their
ANA levels where out of the normal range. If my memory is correct, I also
believe that they did not follow up on these tests. Do not be alarmed, but it
is very important that both of you follow up with your primary care physician
or preferably a rheumatologist. Briefly, sometimes these tests can be
suggestive of an underlying auto-immune disease such as is seen in lupus
erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, or mixed connective diseases. However,
abnormal ANA levels may also be associated with non auto-immune diseases, such
as seen in various infections and viral diseases. Furthermore, it is always
wise to get the test done a second time, because they could be incorrect the
first time. Please follow up on this.
2. Now regarding Power Chemical Peels. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. I
don't care if its a mini-, maxi-, or power peel. I don't care if it is done by
an expert who uses antiinflammatory nutrients found in cow dung -- my answer is
NO. People report that immediately following the procedure, the annoying red
papules and pustules are gone -- its a miracle. They also mention that it has
removed the superficial broken vessels -- once again its a miracle. Yes, this
may be true in some cases, however, these same people also experience a
constant redness and irritation and burning. This then aggravates the
underlying rosacea because:
a. It damages microvessels right below the area of treatment --
this won't be noticeable for months.
b. Constant redness and irritation is a signal for the immune
system and for mast cells in the skin to release more substances
that cause microvessel dilation. In addition, this signals
angiogenesis (growth of new facial blood vessels).
c. In no way does it address the underlying disease process.
Anyway, those are my two thoughts.
As with any information that you receive (as rosacea sufferers,
I am sure that you are inundated with advice and information) it
is always wise to get a 2nd opinion and preferably a third opinion.
Hope this helps,
Geoffrey
