When it comes to answering the question, what is rosacea, the easy answer is that rosacea is a common skin condition. However, rosacea is often misunderstood, meaning it frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is characterized by redness, inflammation, pimples, and sometimes visible blood vessels or rash-like lesions on skin. Rosacea primarily affects the central face, including the nose and cheeks. According to Dr. Kathryn Celeste Durham of U.S. Dermatology Partners Fort Worth, “While rosacea is a chronic condition with no known cure, there are numerous effective treatments and strategies for managing symptoms. As a dermatologist, I play a crucial role in helping patients understand and address the symptoms of this condition, offering personalized solutions, and partnering with individuals to manage rosacea flareups.” In this blog, Dr. Durham reviews common signs and symptoms of rosacea as well as recommending effective management and treatment options.
Signs and Symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation and visible redness, most commonly on the central part of the face. For many, this condition extends beyond a cosmetic concern and can negatively impact quality of life. Symptoms often flare up for weeks or months and then diminish temporarily, creating a frustrating cycle for those affected. Rosacea affects people differently, with symptoms varying widely among individuals. It’s important to seek professional evaluation for accurate rosacea diagnosis and treatment tailored to address specific needs. Common symptoms of rosacea that may indicate a need of dermatologic diagnosis and treatment include:
- Persistent redness in the central facial zone.
- Visible blood vessels (commonly known as spider veins or telangiectasia).
- Swollen, sensitive skin that may burn or itch.
- Dry, rough, or scaly patches of skin.
- Pimple bumps on any part of the skin.
- In severe cases, thickened skin, especially on the nose (a condition known as rhinophyma).
What Causes Rosacea?
Despite extensive research, the exact causes of rosacea remain unclear. However, dermatologists and scientists believe this condition results from a combination of the following common rosacea causes:
- Genetic predisposition – a family history of rosacea increases the likelihood of developing this condition. Certain genetic markers have been linked to this inflammatory skin disorder.
- Vascular factors – issues with facial blood vessels are another potential cause of rosacea symptoms. These vessels dilate more easily in people with rosacea, contributing to redness and visible spider veins.
- Immune system response – an overactive immune system might also play a role, leading to chronic inflammation and heightened skin sensitivity that triggers flareups in rosacea symptoms. It may also be an immune system response to overgrowth of a particular mite that occurs naturally in the skin called demodex.
Common Rosacea Triggers
According to Dr. Durham, “Once diagnosed, identifying rosacea symptom triggers can be a challenge because each person has unique rosacea triggers. Identifying your personal triggers makes a significant difference in managing rosacea. Keeping a trigger diary to note foods, environmental exposures, or activities that precede flareups makes it easier to identify patterns and minimize the number and severity of flareups.” Everyone has different triggers, but some common triggers of rosacea include:
- Sun exposure.
- Hot or spicy foods.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Warm beverages.
- Stress and emotional changes.
- Extreme temperatures or wind.
- Skincare products with dyes, perfumes, and other irritating ingredients.
Solutions for Managing Rosacea
When it comes to managing rosacea, Dr. Durham says, “Working with a dermatologist is essential for those who have been diagnosed with rosacea. This chronic skin condition cannot be cured, but dermatologists support patients in managing symptoms and decreasing the severity of flareups. There are a range of effective treatments available to help patients manage rosacea symptoms, and these treatments significantly improve skin appearance and quality of life.” In most cases, people receive rosacea treatment using topical creams, oral medications, or laser procedures. Topical and oral medications are typically used as first line treatments that reduce immediate symptoms. Laser therapies offer long-term benefits, but they often require multiple sessions for optimal results. Dermatologists provide laser treatments safely with maximum efficacy. Each patient receives a unique treatment plan developed in partnership with their dermatologists, but some common rosacea treatment options include:
- Topical treatments – dermatologists commonly prescribe topical medications like metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin to reduce redness and inflammation on skin. Dr. Durham adds, “In my practice I have had the most success with all three of these products in combination. There are also topical treatments that address the redness by targeting the blood vessels that become dilated.”
- Oral medications – low-dose antibiotics such as doxycycline can be prescribed to address inflammation and pustules. A vitamin A derivative, isotretinoin, is used for severe cases involving thickened skin or persistent symptoms.
- Vascular laser therapy – this treatment targets and reduces visible blood vessels, alleviating redness and improving skin texture. Damaged blood vessels associated with rosacea may also contribute to itch and discomfort, and laser therapies alleviate these symptoms as well.
- CO2 laser resurfacing – in cases of advanced rosacea, where thickened skin develops, CO2 lasers can smooth and refine the affected areas. This also improves the efficacy of topical medications that penetrate more deeply into skin following the removal of rosacea-thickened skin.
Why See a Dermatologist for Rosacea
Given the complexity of rosacea symptoms, professional evaluation is crucial. There are three main reasons it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist for rosacea:
- Accurate diagnosis – rosacea symptoms may resemble other skin conditions, making professional diagnosis crucial. When improperly diagnosed, rosacea may not be treated effectively.
- Tailored treatment plans – a dermatologist can help you understand how to treat rosacea. They will recommend a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes based on the severity of your rosacea symptoms and personal triggers. Combined with a customized daily skincare routine, this reduces the impact of rosacea on skin health and appearance.
- Advanced treatments – dermatologists have access to cutting-edge treatment options like laser therapy and prescription medications unavailable over the counter. These solutions may be the best way to get rosacea symptoms under control.
Manage Rosacea Symptoms for Healthier Skin
In conclusion, Dr. Durham says, “Living with rosacea doesn’t mean resigning yourself to constant discomfort or feelings of insecurity. With the right approach, you can achieve healthier skin and improve self-confidence. Managing rosacea is truly as simple as following your dermatologists’ daily skincare recommendations, avoiding symptom triggers, and receiving advanced dermatologic treatments when necessary. As a person who has personally dealt with rosacea for years, I am empathetic to those who struggle.”
Schedule a Dermatology Office Visit
If you’re struggling with rosacea, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who can provide clarity, support, and a path toward symptom relief. From customized medication plans to state-of-the-art laser treatments, professional dermatologic care for rosacea makes all the difference. Take the first step by scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners. Together, you can develop a personalized plan to manage rosacea and enjoy clearer, healthier skin. Getting started is simple. Take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request, and a member of a local dermatology office will be in touch to finalize the details of your visit.
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