Rosacea

Often mistaken for adult acne, Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects nearly 14 million Americans. Rosacea may start as a tendency to blush easily, but its symptoms can progress to include facial redness, red bumps and pustules, and enlarged blood vessels. Rosacea rarely goes away on its own and may last for years. By better understanding rosacea, its possible causes, and its treatment options, patients can improve their chances of eliminating this troublesome condition.

Rosacea Symptoms

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that tends to appear around age 30, although “prerosacea” is sometimes identified in people in their teens and early 20s. There are several symptoms associated with rosacea; without treatment, these symptoms can worsen significantly.

The different subtypes of rosacea are identified according to symptoms and levels of severity. Some common indicators that unite all forms of rosacea include:

• Consistent blushing or flushing of the face, ears, neck, and chest
• Chronic facial redness, burning, itching, and swelling (edema)
• Bumps and pimples
• Spider veins (telangiectasia)

In extreme cases, rosacea can cause thickening and disfiguring of the skin. This can sometimes lead to a condition called rhinophyma, characterized by a distinctively “bulbous” nose.

Rosacea can also occur in or around the eyes, a form known as ocular rosacea. Symptoms of ocular rosacea include watery, bloodshot eyes that are prone to sties. If you think you might have ocular rosacea, contact a doctor immediately. If left unchecked, ocular rosacea can cause damage to the cornea or even blindness.

Acne and Rosacea

While acne and rosacea do not cause one another, the two skin conditions often appear together. Unfortunately, acne vulgaris and rosacea require two different kinds of treatment. Rosacea is a disorder afflicting the extensive vascular network of the face, whereas acne is related to the oil glands and can affect skin all over the body. If you have acne and rosacea, it is important to consult with a medical professional about your skin care, as the method used to treat one condition may worsen the other.

Rosacea Causes

Although there is a large body of research on rosacea, its causes are still unknown. Researchers believe that rosacea is likely caused by a combination of genetic conditions and environmental factors, such as bacterial infection and sun damage.

Rosacea Treatments

Rosacea can interrupt your life by stripping you of your confidence and self-esteem, and keeping you from feeling comfortable in your own skin. Although a large number of American adults suffer from rosacea, only a small percentage of them have actively sought treatment.

If you are struggling with the painful symptoms associated with rosacea, there are several skin care treatments available that may be able to provide relief. A dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and a topical solution to help bring your rosacea under control. In some cases, photodynamic therapy can be very successful in reducing redness and the appearance of blood vessels. For patients with severe rhinophyma, laser resurfacing can sometimes be used to reshape the nose.

Visit a Cosmetic Dermatologist for Treatment

Stop hiding your rosacea and start healing your skin. A qualified dermatologist can help you better understand your rosacea, its possible causes, and what treatment method is best for you. Use DocShop’s comprehensive directory to locate a cosmetic dermatologist in your area.