Rosacea
Rosacea is classified as dilation of blood vessels that often causes redness and flushing of the skin. It is also classified as an inflammation of the skin that can result in red and inflamed appearing bumps resembling acne. Rosacea is usually genetic but can be caused by or triggered by outside environmental factors. Some of the known exacerbating factors include hot beverages, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, heat (from sauna or cooking), sun exposure, and stress. Rosacea can differ from acne in the lack of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), and how rosacea usually involves the mid portion of the face whereas acne can involve the entire head/neck and chest/back areas. There are other ways to determine if you have rosacea, so consult with one of our highly experienced board certified dermatologists to determine what skin condition you have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Keep in mind, the best way to evaluate the type of skin condition you may have is to let a professional make the determination. However, here are symptoms you may want to keep in mind:
- You have what appears to be pimples, but they do not clear up.
- Anything you put on your face stings and burns.
- You blush or react severely to heat or being hot from physical activity. This may also happen after eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol.
- Your eyes usually feel itchy, dry and irritated.
- Your nose is bumpy and red or is getting enlarged (Rhinophyma).
Although many cases of rosacea can be traced back to genetics, not all cases result from heredity factors. Whether heredity or not, sufferers may notice certain environmental factors can trigger or worsen their rosacea, such as sun exposure or drinking alcohol. The bottom line is that rosacea is a skin condition in which patients may have an increased amount of certain proteins called cathelicidins (CAMP) in the skin which leads to inflammation. This inflammation is often accompanied by the growth of the tiny blood vessels in the skin known as capillaries.
As with many chronic skin conditions there is no known cure for rosacea at this time. However, there are many treatments that have been successful in controlling rosacea. Often times, a combination of treatments help different aspects of the skin disease. There are oral medications (by mouth) that work well for reducing the redness and inflammation. Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been commonly used to help reduce redness and the dilated blood vessels.
Don’t delay your treatment. Make an appointment today and find out how our skilled and highly experienced dermatologists can help you get the treatment you need to help with your rosacea.”
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Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.
