What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and dilated blood vessels on the central face. Sometimes, rosacea is also associated with small, red, pustules that are often confused with traditional acne. These symptoms typically flare up for several weeks or even months at a time before diminishing for a while. Rosacea is often misdiagnosed as another skin condition, so it is important to have a comprehensive skin evaluation by one of our providers.
Who gets Rosacea?
Rosacea can occur in anyone, but it most commonly presents in middle-aged people who have fairer skin. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is an inflammatory condition likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A number of factors are known to trigger and aggravate rosacea in some patients including:
- Sun, Sun, Sun!
- Spicy foods
- Hot beverages
- Alcohol
- Hot Weather
- Cold Weather
- Hot baths
- Wind
- Emotional Stress
- Heavy Exercise
- Cosmetics
- Certain medications
What are some common signs of Rosacea?
Facial redness.
Rosacea most commonly causes a persistent redness in the central part of your face. Patients with rosacea also commonly develop small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, which tend to swell and become visible.
Swollen red bumps.
Many people who have rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. Your skin may also feel hot and tender.
Eye problems.
A large percentage of people who have rosacea also experience eye dryness, irritation and swollen, reddened eyelids. In some people with rosacea, the eye symptoms precede the skin symptoms.
Enlarged nose.
Although rare, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear enlarged (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.
How can I manage my Rosacea?
Rosacea can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, causing anxiety in both their social and work life. Although there isn’t a cure for rosacea, there are several different treatment options to help control and reduce the signs and symptoms of your rosacea. Depending on your individual needs, medical therapies include topical and oral prescription medications. We also offer laser treatment with our V-beam pulsed dye laser which helps to reduce the redness of the enlarged blood vessels. In addition to medical therapy, you can help improve your conditions by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that may trigger flare-ups.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your rosacea with one of our specialists, we will be happy to sit down with you to create an individualized treatment plan that best addresses your concerns and allows you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center is a proud member of the National Rosacea Society.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified Dermatologists who has been trained in treating port-wine stains with the pulse-dye laser, please contact our office today.