What is Rosacea All About?
Do you have a tendency to blush frequently? Is your face consistently red, like a light sunburn that never fades? Do you often notice bumps, blemishes, or broken capillaries plaguing your complexion? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have rosacea.
What is it?
Rosacea is an inflammatory condition of the face that often initially presents itself in adulthood. There are many different types of rosacea: Some notice just diffuse redness of the cheeks and nose, while others will develop “acne-type” bumps and small pustules. Another common finding is small visible purple-red blood vessels spreading over the cheeks and chin. In extreme cases, the entire tip of the nose can become enlarged and knobby. Since rosacea affects the central face, many people with the condition become highly self-conscious about their appearance.
What causes rosacea?
The precise cause of rosacea is unknown, although many theories have developed regarding the origins of the condition. Popular theories include everything from blood flow and skin bacteria to immune response and psychological factors. Certainly, there is a strong inherited tendency to rosacea in many people. Though we have not yet determined the exact cause of rosacea, we do know that there are various triggers than can cause a flare in symptoms. Triggers include, but are not limited to:
- Stress
- Hot or cold weather
- Sun exposure
- Heavy exercise
- Hot beverages
- Wind
- Alcohol
- Certain foods
- Topical products
What are my treatment options for rosacea?
Although rosacea cannot be permanently cured, it can be effectively controlled with treatment. No two patients with rosacea are alike, meaning that no single treatment course can achieve proper control in every patient. Fortunately there is now a broad array of treatments, which allows a treatment program to be tailored to each individual’s particular problems.
At Avail Dermatology, you’ll find the best-in-class medical treatment for difficult to treat skin conditions, like rosacea. Depending on the patient, our physicians develop a personalized treatment plan to control the condition. Treatment options are endless, from topical medications to noninvasive laser procedures.
You can trust that the skilled dermatologists at Avail Dermatology will determine what treatment plan is best for your unique needs. If you want to learn more about our services, call us at (770)251-5111 to make an appointment today.
