Rosacea Specialist

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by a redness in your complexion with apparent blood vessels on your face. Rosacea tends to flare up for a few weeks or months and then ease up. Sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction or acne, rosacea is a completely separate condition that cannot be cured.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea can cause a number of uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Facial redness, usually in the central part of your face
• Visible blood vessels on your nose and cheeks
• Swollen red bumps containing pus
• Eye dryness, irritation, and swollen eyelids
• Enlarged, bulbous nose that shows up more in men than women

In some cases, rosacea can affect the neck, scalp, chest, and ears. It can affect all skin types but is most common in people with fair complexions.

What causes rosacea?

Rosacea is not contagious and seems to be an inherited condition. The skin condition is likely associated with high levels of inflammation. Once you have rosacea, your symptoms may be aggravated by:

• Foods, especially hot drinks and highly spiced items
• Alcohol
• Exercise
• Weather including wind and temperature extremes

Certain medications and stress can also cause rosacea flare-ups.

How do dermatologists treat rosacea?

Rosacea has no cure, but the symptoms can often be managed successfully. The dermatological team at McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery treats your case according to how your symptoms manifest and how severe they are. You may receive topical and oral medical therapy and long-term anti-inflammatory therapy to help keep your symptoms to a minimum. Laser and intense pulsed light can help treat flare-ups, reduce visible blood vessels, or reduce a bulbous appearance to the nose. The doctors will recommend a gentle, effective skin care routine that you can apply at home to help you deal with rosacea. Adequate sun protection with a sunscreen containing SPF 30 or higher also helps prevent aggravation of symptoms. You may also get tips on how to apply makeup to conceal the reddening effects of rosacea. To learn more about how to manage rosacea, call one of the offices of McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online.