Rosacea Specialist

What is rosacea?

Although rosacea can affect anyone, the condition favors fair-skinned women over 50. Causing redness and facial inflammation that’s similar to acne, the reasons why rosacea affects some people and not others isn’t known, nor is it curable. There’s usually facial redness that persists, and in some cases, you may have periodic episodes where red bumps occur. These may stay or occur in cycles.

In about 50% of cases,there are eye problems connected with rosacea, and these issues are sometimes the first indication of rosacea, occurring before the skin is affected. In men, the condition may cause thickening and redness of the nose, giving it a bulbous appearance. Women don’t usually experience this symptom.

What factors aggravate rosacea?

You’re most at risk to develop the disorder if you have fair skin or a history of rosacea in your family. Sun damage, as well as smoking, may also increase your risk. Generally, the condition affects those over the age of 30 more often.

Many factors may aggravate rosacea or trigger its advancement. These triggers typically cause increased blood flow to the face, magnifying the redness and skin irregularities the condition displays. These triggers include:

• Alcohol
• Cosmetics
• Emotions and moods
• Exertion and exercise
• Spicy foods and hot drinks
• Some medications, including blood pressure management drugs
• Extreme weather exposure, such as to sun, wind, and hot or cold temperatures

How is rosacea treated?

Since the condition can’t be cured, treatment focuses on symptoms. Topical gels using brimonidine have shown to be effective in reducing redness, by constricting dilated blood vessels. Though results are usually apparent within 12 hours, the effects are temporary, so reapplication is necessary.

Oral antibiotics may help with the inflammation caused by rosacea, and in severe cases, the anti-acne medication isotretinoin may clear up red bumps.

For damage that’s already present, cosmetic laser treatments can reduce and remove the redness and visible blood vessels that frequently accompany rosacea. Lasers target the tissue below the skin to remove spider veins and uneven redness, while stimulating the production of new support tissue under the epidermis. Though individual results vary, laser treatments can significantly reduce the discoloration caused by rosacea.