Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the face and may also appear on the chest and back. This condition often begins with facial redness like a blush that spreads to the forehead, chin, and ears.

Beyond classic redness, rosacea causes many possible symptoms, depending on the type:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

This type of rosacea causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the cheeks and nose.

Papulopustular rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea also causes facial redness, as well as swelling and acne-like pimples.

Phymatous rosacea

With phymatous rosacea, the skin on the nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids gets thicker and has a bumpy texture.

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea affects the eyes, causing eye redness, swollen eyelids, burning, and sensitivity to light.

What triggers rosacea?

Rosacea usually goes through cycles in which you experience flare-ups alternating with periods of remission. Many things can trigger flare-ups, including:

• Wind
• Sunlight
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Hot drinks
• Stress
• Strenuous exercise
• Hot and cold temperatures
• Cosmetics and skin care products
• Demodex mite infestation

This list isn’t comprehensive. You may learn that your rosacea flares in response to other triggers.

How is rosacea treated?

After reviewing your medical history, evaluating your symptoms, and completing a skin exam, your provider at Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah may begin by helping you identify your triggers. Eliminating triggers is an important first step because when you have a new rosacea flare, your symptoms tend to last longer.

Your treatment plan may include:

Sun protection

Most people with rosacea are sensitive to sunlight - it is one of the most common triggers. Wearing sunscreen and protecting your face with a wide-brimmed hat can help prevent flare-ups.

Skin care

Skin care is challenging when you have rosacea because many products trigger flare-ups. Simply scrubbing your skin too energetically can also trigger the problem. Your provider recommends gentle skin care products such as eltaMD® and SkinMedica® that are safe and help soothe your rosacea.

Medications

Your provider may prescribe topical or oral medications to reduce redness, treat acne-like breakouts, destroy the mites often causing or worsening rosacea, and relieve other symptoms.

Laser or light therapy

Lasers effectively eliminate visible blood vessels and facial redness caused by chronic rosacea. They can also treat thickened skin.

When you need help with rosacea, call Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah, or schedule an appointment online today.