Overview
Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that causes redness of the skin in the center of the face, and it can spread to other areas of the head and even the back. Sometimes, the red facial skin can thicken and develop bumps that are mistaken for acne.
Causes
The cause of rosacea is unknown, but suspected causes include a family history of rosacea, environmental factors and blood-pressure medications.
Symptoms
- Persistent redness on the nose and cheeks that resembles a sunburn.
- The development of thicker skin on the cheeks or nose, which can become bulbous.
- Pimple-like bumps that are typically concentrated on the cheeks.
- Prominent facial veins, typically appearing on the nose and cheeks.
- Bloodshot or red eyes.
Common Triggers
- Hot drinks.
- Alcohol.
- Spicy food.
- Extreme temperatures.
- Overexposure to sunlight.
- Strenuous exercise.
- Exposure to dust mites.
- Stress.
Diagnosis and treatments
Pensacola Dermatology can diagnose rosacea by learning your symptoms and performing a thorough skin exam. Telltale signs include thickened skin and sunburn-like redness that doesn’t abate. If you have rosacea, we provide the following treatments:
- Topical gel to reduce facial redness.
- Topical creams to fight bumps.
- Oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bumps.
- Isotretinoin to treat acne and acne-like symptoms of rosacea.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or laser treatments, which can alleviate redness caused by dilated blood vessels. IPL, which is often used in conjunction with oral medications, can have long-lasting results.
- Dermabrasion, which can slough off the bumpy skin but doesn’t affect the redness. Often, it is used in combination with oral medications.
Rosacea | American Academy of Dermatology. (2018). Aad.org. Retrieved 21 December 2018, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea