Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that begins with a tendency to blush or flush easily. Redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin, and even to the ears, back and chest. Because rosacea causes redness and small bumps on the skin, rosacea is frequently mistaken for eczema, an allergic reaction, or acne. While rosacea can affect anyone, it’s most likely to develop in people who have fair skin, are between the ages of 30-50, and currently have (or used to have) acne.
Because rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, finding the correct treatment is essential. If you have rosacea, our dermatologists can help identify your triggers and help develop some lifestyle changes to control your flare ups. We can offer tailored treatment options for patients with rosacea including oral or topical medications, laser therapy, and skin care products available in our Laser Cosmetic Center.
In mild cases, rosacea will cause the face and neck to flush more easily. For many people, the condition has additional symptoms, as well. Some of the most common include the following:
Rosacea has many causes, including a family history of the condition, an overactive immune system responding to environmental or biological triggers, or the presence of a protein called cathelicidin in the skin. Rosacea may also be caused by a skin mite known as Demodex, or an intestinal bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. People living with rosacea may be susceptible to a variety of triggers that can make the skin condition worse. These include spicy food, alcohol (or caffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea), Chocolate, skincare products that contain harsh perfumes or fragrances, excessive exposure to sunlight or heat, and stress.
While there’s no cure for rosacea, there are treatments that can help you manage and decrease symptoms, and limit discomfort. Here at Dermatology Associates, we provide a variety of rosacea treatments, including oral antibiotics, light and laser therapy, topical medications, and more.
