Rosacea

Women and men with this skin disorder are predisposed to persistent blushing or flushing more readily and frequently than other people. The telltale redness often appears in the center of the face and sometimes affects the eyes. More than 16 million Americans are estimated to be living with this chronic, inflammatory skin condition.

There are four main subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (causes redness and flushing), papulopustular rosacea (produces acne-like symptoms), phymatous (creates a thickened, bumpy texture), and ocular rosacea (irritates the eyes and causes vision problems).

Each person’s symptoms are unique, but there are some universally recognized signs to watch for. Enlarged blood vessels usually indicate the presence of rosacea, as does a redness that gradually spreads over the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, and even to the ears and chest.

This flushing can last for several minutes before resolving. You may also notice dry or rough patches, swelling, broken blood vessels, and skin that is sensitive, burning, or swollen.

Acne-like pimples and pustules sometimes appear, and the skin can be hyperreactive to stimuli.

Symptoms often occur cyclically, with breakouts slowing or vanishing after a few weeks, only to recur later.

Rosacea occurs in both men and women, and in all age groups. While people of all races and skin tones can have the condition, being fair-skinned and of Northern European ancestry seems to increase a person’s risk of developing symptoms.

The exact underlying cause of rosacea has not yet been identified, but genetics, immune system abnormalities, certain skin mites, and gut bacteria are believed to be linked to the condition.

Some of the most common triggers for the condition include dairy products, spices and seasonings, hot foods or drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. Exposure to severe weather and temperature extremes are typically bad for rosacea. Additionally, heightened emotional states such as stress, anxiety, and anger can exacerbate the problem.

When left untreated for an extended time, symptoms can become aggravated. There is currently no known cure for rosacea, but people who suffer from the condition can alleviate some of the most uncomfortable symptoms.

To better manage the disorder, you may need to make lifestyle and environmental changes, such as avoiding certain foods, drinks, medications, facial products, and activities that increase blood flow to the skin. We may prescribe topical medications, oral drugs, or eye drops. Patients may choose to combine these with measures such as using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, reducing stress, and engaging in low-intensity exercises. IPL laser treatment is a cosmetic option for improving skin color.

The red blotches and other symptoms associated with acne, eczema, psoriasis, allergies, lupus, other inflammatory skin conditions—and even skin cancers—are often mistakenly identified and misdiagnosed as rosacea. Acne, for example, is a skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and cysts, which are attributed to excess oil and dead skin cell buildup in the pores. These bumps are often accompanied by redness.

If you think you may have rosacea, we can properly assess your skin and medical history to determine the cause of your symptoms.