Rosacea Specialist

What is rosacea?

Most commonly affecting middle-aged women with fair skin, rosacea produces facial redness that blood vessels visible through the skin surface often accompany. Occasionally, red, pus-filled bumps may form. Rosacea can sometimes resemble acne, allergic reactions, or other skin disorders. It’s persistent, and may fade and then reoccur.

Men aren’t immune to rosacea. In fact, it’s common for rosacea to thicken the skin of a male rosacea patient’s nose, giving it an oversized, bulbous appearance. Around 50% of people with rosacea have associated eye problems, most often dryness and irritation, and occasionally swollen eyelids. In some cases, the eye problems may occur before skin changes are noted.

What causes rosacea?

Why some people are susceptible to rosacea isn’t known, but it’s thought that a combination of environmental and hereditary factors are to blame. There are known triggers that can aggravate the condition by increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. These factors include:

• Alcohol use
• Cosmetics
• Medications that dilate blood vessels
• Emotions
• Exercise and exertion
• Spicy foods and hot beverages
• Temperature extremes and other weather conditions, such as wind and sunlight

While anyone can experience rosacea, it’s more likely in people over 30 and in smokers. Those with fair skin that’s experienced sun damage also face increased risk, and anyone with a family history is also more likely to develop the condition. While there’s no specific test to confirm rosacea, there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, so some testing may be done to rule these out.

How is rosacea treated?

Both oral and topical medications prove effective in reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

Topical medications

Brimonidine gel constricts blood vessels and shows results in as little as 12 hours. Its effects are temporary, however, so regular use is required. Azelaic acid and metronidazole produce similar results, but take three to six weeks.

Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics fight the inflammation rosacea causes. Doxycycline is the most effective against the bumps of rosacea. Isotretinoin is a powerful anti-acne drug that may treat cases of rosacea that don’t respond to other treatments.

Additionally, laser treatments may bring improvement to some cases of rosacea. Dr. Gardner discusses this with you at your consultation if you’re a good candidate.

Get started on rosacea treatment today at Dermatology Consultants of Gloucester. Call to book an appointment or schedule online.