Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the skin that usually affects light-skinned adults ages 30-50. Typically, rosacea appears on the face, neck, and chest, and worsens over time. It’s characterized by:

• Redness
• Visible blood vessels
• Pus-filled bumps
• Enlarged nose
• Red, irritated eyes

Not everyone who has rosacea has all these symptoms, and often you may not know you have the condition at all. Symptoms can be mild and usually fluctuate in both their intensity and the amount of time they last. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction, a sunburn, or other skin problems.

Without treatment, rosacea can progress to a condition called rhinophyma, which is the enlargement of the oils glands in your cheeks and nose, causing your skin to be thicker in the affected areas.

What Causes Rosacea?

While there is no clear cause for rosacea, dermatologists agree that a combination of hereditary and environmental elements can increase the intensity of symptoms. This is good news because you can improve your symptoms by adjusting your lifestyle to avoid certain contributing factors, such as:

• Smoking
• Prolonged sun or wind exposure
• Spicy foods and hot drinks
• Skin products
• Exercise
• Drugs that increase blood flow
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress or extreme emotions

The experts at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center work closely with you to determine which of these risk factors intensify your symptoms.

How is Rosacea Treated?

While there is no complete cure for rosacea, there are a number of treatment options that may decrease your symptoms. Your treatment plan includes a holistic approach to reducing your specific rosacea triggers.

Your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes, such as:

• Quitting smoking
• Wearing sunscreen
• Protecting your skin from wind exposure
• Avoiding irritating skin products
• Eating a healthy diet
• Limiting your alcohol usage
• Washing and caring for your skin with gentle cleansers

If your symptoms are more extreme or do not respond to these efforts, your dermatologist may suggest:

• Oral antibiotics
• Acne medications
• Laser treatments
• Light therapy
• Dermabrasion

The dermatology experts at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center are committed to creating a treatment plan that works to help reduce your rosacea symptoms and provide long-term disease management.

If the symptoms of rosacea are bothering you, call or book an appointment online today.