Rosacea
Affecting over 14 million people, rosacea is a chronic disease that first appears as the reddening of the face generally associated with flushing or blushing. Left untreated, rosacea can cause skin eruptions and inflammation, leaving red lines on the face from damaged veins. Rosacea often occurs between the ages of 30-60, although children can be afflicted as well. It is known to affect both men and women, and is not a contagious condition. While rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread recent surveys found that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.
What are the causes?
Although the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, factors such as diet and lifestyle can trigger the condition. While there is no absolute cure, today medical help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. Any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:
- Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
- Small visible blood vessels on the face
- Bumps or pimples on the face
- Watery or irritated eyes
How can it be prevented?
Although no direct cause is known for rosacea, it is recommended that you avoid trigger factors that cause redness or flushing of the face. These include spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol and other greasy or oily foods. You should also practice good sun protection, always wearing SPF 30 or higher when exposed to the UV rays of the sun. Exercising in a cool environment to avoid overheating is also recommended.
What are the treatments?
Our clinic offers a variety of treatments for rosacea depending on the severity of the condition. Topical medications such as creams and gels can be used to treat rosacea as well as oral antibiotics. We also offer LED light treatments to help diminish the dilated blood vessels. In extreme cases, rosacea can be treated with electrosurgery to carefully remove the excess tissue that has formed. Following surgery, microdermabrasion might be used to improve the appearance of the scarred tissue. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to the effective treatment of rosacea.