Understanding Rosacea: The Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

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December 15, 2015

Rosacea (pronounced "roh-ZAY-sha") is a skin condition that looks like red, acne-type marks on the face and may result in cysts and nose enlargement. For people with rosacea, the emotional effects can sometimes be more difficult to handle than the physical ones, such as low self-confidence and the tendency to avoid social situations.

Recognizing Rosacea
While the signs of rosacea can vary from person to person, rosacea always includes at least one of the following symptoms:

  • Stubborn redness. This is the most common sign of rosacea and mimics that of a blush or sunburn that won’t go away.
  • Small red, solid bumps and pimples. While these may look like acne, with rosacea, there are no blackheads and individuals may experience burning and stinging.
  • Blushing. For many, blushing or flushing is prevalent. This facial redness may come and go.
  • Blood vessels. People with rosacea may exhibit small, visible blood vessels on the skin.

What Causes Rosacea?
A number of factors can trigger or aggravate rosacea by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin. Some of these factors include:

    • Sunlight
    • Hot baths or saunas
  • Stress, anger or embarrassment
  • Alcohol
  • Hot foods or beverages
  • Spicy foods
  • Some blood pressure medications, which can dilate blood vessels

How Is Rosacea Treated?
While there is no cure for rosacea, and the cause is still unknown, there are effective treatments. Initial treatment often includes oral and topical medications to treat the bumps and pimples associated with the condition. Ongoing treatment may include long-term topical therapy to keep the disorder under control and maintain remission. An oral medication has also been developed for the treatment of rosacea and has been determined safe for long-term use. Laser treatments may also be used when appropriate to remove visible blood vessels and reduce excessive redness.

When to See Your Doctor
If you think you may have rosacea, don’t ignore the problem and hope it will go away. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your dermatologist for diagnosis and medical care before the condition gets worse.

To learn more about Rosacea treatment, contact us for a consultation today.


Category: Rosacea


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