Rosacea

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition.  It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.  The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time.

Rosacea occurs most commonly in people 30 to 50 years of age. Although women have rosacea more commonly than men, men tend to suffer more severe forms. Although rosacea’s cause remains unknown, it appears to involve a combination of genetics and environmental factors. It is not contagious. Rosacea can be disfiguring if left untreated and a source of emotional stress.

Signs & Symptoms: Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time and progresses to include one or more of the following:

  • Bumps and pus-filled pimples – persistent facial redness with bumps or pimples, inflamed and itchy
  • Eye irritation – watery or bloodshot eyes, irritation, burning or stinging
  • Facial redness – flushing and persistent redness with possible visible blood vessels
  • Skin thickening – skin thickening and enlargement, usually around the nose

Prevention: Many people report that their rosacea flares up following exposure to certain triggers. Some common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, spicy foods, hot baths, alcohol consumption and emotional stress. Early diagnosis and treatment of rosacea can’t prevent it, but can control symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and stop rosacea from progressing.

Treatment Options: Without proper treatment, rosacea tends to worsen and can become disfiguring. With treatment and lifestyle modifications, rosacea can be effectively controlled. Rosacea treatments include oral and topical medications (such as doxycycline and Metrogel), lifestyle modifications, laser and light therapies. Your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments based on the severity and type of rosacea, your skin type and results from previous treatments.

To diagnose and treat, call us today! 610-789- SKIN(7546) to schedule a personalized consultation.