Is My Face Just Red or Do I have Rosacea?
April is Rosacea Awareness month!
Let’s talk about Rosacea
Rosacea affects an estimated 16 million Americans, yet according to a recent survey, 47% of patients said they had never heard of the disorder prior to receiving their diagnosis. Ninety-five percent also said they knew little or nothing about the signs and symptoms before being diagnosed. Talk with your dermatologist or physician today if you are experiencing symptoms that could be signs or Rosacea.
What Should I Know About Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic but treatable and manageable condition that primarily affects the central face, and is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Although rosacea may develop in many ways and at any age, it typically begins any time after age 30 as flushing or redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go.
Studies have shown that over time the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, inflammatory bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Eyes can also be affected, feeling irritated and appearing watery or bloodshot.
Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population and all skin types, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disorder is more frequently diagnosed in women, but tends to be more severe in men.
Rosacea can also impact the lifestyle of many individuals causing people to suffer from strained professional interactions and self esteem issues.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, knowledge of its signs and symptoms has advanced to where they can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other qualified physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are Symptoms of Rosacea?
Rosacea can vary greatly from one individual to the next, and in most cases some rather than all of the potential signs and symptoms appear.
Persistent Redness
Skin Thickening
Flushing
Bumps and Pimples
Visible Blood Vessels
Eye Irritation
Burning or Stinging
Facial Swelling
Dryness
In rare cases, rosacea signs and symptoms may also develop beyond the face, most commonly on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
What are Treatment Options for Rosacea?
Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary from one patient to another, treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case. It is important to see your dermatologist or physician if you are experiencing symptoms.
A range of therapies may be used to treat the various signs and symptoms associated with the disorder. Oral (tablets) and topical medications (creams, lotions, ointments) are often used to treat the bumps or ‘acne’ like lesions of rosacea.
The background redness typically needs a series laser or intense pulsed light sources treatments.
Rosacea Skin Care Tips
Patients should work with their physicians to ensure their skin-care routine is best suited with their rosacea. A gentle skin-care routine can help control rosacea. Patients are advised to clean their face with a mild and non-abrasive cleanser, then rinse with lukewarm water and blot the face dry with a thick cotton towel. Never pull, tug or use a rough washcloth.
Patients may apply non-irritating skin-care products as needed, and are advised to protect the skin from sun exposure using a sunscreen that delivers UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide. Rosacea patients should avoid any skin-care products that sting, burn or cause additional redness.
Cosmetics may be used to conceal the effects of rosacea. Green makeup or green-tinted foundations can be used to counter redness. This can be followed by a skin-tone foundation with natural yellow tones, avoiding those with pink or orange hues.
Lifestyle Management
In addition to long-term medical treatment plans, rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that may trigger flare-ups or aggravate their individual conditions. Identifying these factors is an individual process, however, because what causes a flare-up in one person may have no effect on another.
Keeping track of skin care products, daily activities, lifestyle changes, stressors, change in diet or life events could assist with pinpointing the cause of flare ups or variations of Rosacea severeness.
Contact your Dermatologist
If you or a member of your family is experiencing any symptoms that could be signs of Rosacea, contact your dermatologist for an appointment and consultation at Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine. Our team is ready to assist you and provide you with the right treatment plan to ease your symptoms and treat Rosacea effectively.
In recognition of roscare awareness month we’re offering a complimentary full size triple antioxidant cream (value: $89) with purchase of a bundle of five photofacial laser treatments ($600). Let us know you’re interested in the April promo when you call or email to make your appointment!
Below are some before and afters of real patients- using our prescribed skin care regimen and monthly photofacials.
