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If you experience frequent flare-ups of inflamed skin, you may have rosacea, which generally begins after age 30 and goes through cycles of flare-ups and remissions. Over time, rosacea gets redder in color and small blood vessels may also appear on the face. If left untreated, bumps and pimples may form, and the end of the nose may become swollen, red and bulbous. It is not contagious, but there is some evidence that suggests that rosacea may be inherited. The inflammation caused by rosacea can affect the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. What is Rosacea and What are the Symptoms? Common, but not fully understood, rosacea is a disorder of the facial skin that is estimated to affect over 14 million Americans, with some not even knowing. Rosacea is increasingly becoming widespread among the population with approximately 78 percent of Americans having no knowledge of this condition. With its red, acne-like appearance, rosacea can have significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated. While the cause is unknown and there is no cure, medical help is available to help control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. Rosacea typically occurs in people who are fair skinned and who tend to blush or flush easily. It occurs more often among women than men, but men tend to suffer from more extreme symptoms. Most patients will experience multiple symptoms at varying levels of severity. Some common symptoms include, but are not limited to: • Flushing
• Persistently red skin on the face
• Bumps or acne-like pimples
• Visible blood vessels on facial skin
• Watery or irritated eyes
• Burning, itching or stinging of facial skin
• Skin roughness and dryness
• Raised red patches
• Swelling (edema) These symptoms that are often associated with rosacea can be seen together or separately. They may also appear on the neck, chest, scalp, and ears. Avoid Triggers for Rosacea With each case unique there is no cure for rosacea, but your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and topical medications to reduce the severity of the symptoms. When your condition goes into remission, only topical treatments may be needed. In severe cases, a vascular laser, intense pulsed light source or other medical devices may be used to remove any visible blood vessels and reduce excess redness and bumpiness on the nose.
The National Rosacea Foundation found that the leading triggers of rosacea include: • Sun exposure
• Hot or cold weather
• Emotional stress
• Wind
• Alcohol
• Heavy exercise
• Spicy foods
• Hot baths
• Heated beverages
• Some skin care products
• Humidity
• Indoor heat To help reduce the incidence of flare-ups, a gentle daily skin care routine is recommended. Your skin care routine should consist of mild, non-abrasive cleansers, soft clothes, rinsing in lukewarm water, and blotting the face dry. Additionally, patients need to protect themselves from sun exposure by using sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher and sunblock that eliminate UVA and UVB rays. You are encouraged to keep a record of flare-ups to try and determine the lifestyle and environmental triggers that aggravate the condition. Contact your dermatologist in Boynton for further consultation and treatment of your rosacea.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dermatologist in Boynton, Dr. Barry Kuttner. A board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Dr. Kuttner is accompanied by board certified dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Herne and board certified physician assistant, Kristen Hafner providing the best in quality care available. Integrated Dermatology specializes in acne treatment, Mohs surgery, and skin cancer treatment in Boynton.
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