Rosacea is classified as dilation of blood vessels that often causes redness and flushing of the skin. It is also classified as an inflammation of the skin that can result in acne or cause red bumps resembling acne. Rosacea is usually genetic but can be caused by or triggered by outside environmental factors. Where rosacea can differ from acne is the lack of blackheads. There are other ways to determine if you have rosacea, but consulting with one of our dermatologists is always a good way to help determine what skin condition you have.

​

​

​

How do I know if I have Rosacea?

 

Keep in mind, the best way to evaluate the type of skin condition you may have is to let a professional make the determination. However, here are symptoms you may want to keep in mind:

​

• You have what appears to be pimples, but they do not clear up.

• Anything you put on your face stings and burns.

• You blush or react severely to heat or being hot from physical activity. This may also happen after eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol.

• Your eyes usually feel itchy, dry and irritated.

• Your nose is bumpy and red.

 

​

​

What causes Rosacea?

 

Though many cases of rosacea can be traced back to genetics, not all cases result from heredity factors. Whether heredity or not, sufferers may notice certain environmental factors can trigger or worsen their rosacea, such as sun exposure or even drinking alcohol. The bottom line is that rosacea is a skin condition in which patients have an increased amount of cathelicidins in the skin, which leads to inflammation as well as growth of the capillaries.

​

​

​

What are the treatment options for Rosacea?

 

As with many skin conditions, there is no known cure for rosacea at this time. However, there are many treatments that have been successful in treating rosacea. Often times, a combination of treatments help different aspects of the skin disease. For example, there are oral medications that work well for reducing the redness and inflammation, while laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) have been commonly used to help reduce redness and the dilated blood vessels.

​

The first step is try to control the skin disease and then try reducing the appearance. The problem is, if left untreated, the inflamed blood vessels can eventually remain enlarged. Those who suffer from rosacea will notice their breakouts may heighten and then decrease, but if not treated there can be some permanent results. Untreated, the patient’s face may have a permanent redness especially to the nose, cheeks and chin.