Rosacea

Rosacea can leave you looking flushed or sunburned, and is sometimes uncomfortable. Help is available through the care of the team at Northshore Dermatology, with four locations in Slidell, Madisonville, Hammond, Louisiana, and Picayune, Mississippi. When you’re ready to explore the possibilities, call or click to schedule a face-to-face visit today. 

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin issue that often begins with a tendency to blush or flush easily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, as many as 14 million Americans are living with rosacea.

These risk factors increase your chances of developing rosacea:

• Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry
• Ages between 30 and 50
• Being Caucasian
• Being female
• Family history of rosacea
• Fair skin tone and green or blue eyes

The causes of rosacea are not fully understood. There are many different types of rosacea, and determining what type you have plays a role in treating the condition. 

What are the signs of rosacea?

When you know the common symptoms of rosacea, you can easily seek treatment. Some signs of this common skin condition include:

• Frequent flushing or blushing in the central portion of your face
• Visible blood vessels on your face
• Burning sensations
• Small pimple-like bumps
• Enlarged nose
• Eye problems

If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam to determine if you have rosacea. People of color can also develop rosacea. Because darker skin doesn’t display the flushing characteristic of rosacea, diagnosing the condition in people of color can be challenging. 

How can treatment help with rosacea?

Your practitioner begins by assessing your skin and asking about your experience with rosacea symptoms. There are a number of treatment options, and it often takes a period of trial and error to determine the best approach for your specific needs. 

Topical medications can help control flushing and redness. Some also help smooth the bumps that often accompany rosacea outbreaks. It can take weeks to begin to see the effects of these medications, so be patient.

Oral antibiotics can sometimes help reduce rosacea symptoms. Certain oral acne medications can help with pimple-like sores. Be sure to reach out to Northshore Dermatology if you notice any health or skin changes after beginning drug therapy.

Laser therapy uses controlled beams of light to reduce redness. IPL photofacials are also an effective way to reduce the appearance of rosacea and rely on pulses of different wavelengths of light to disperse areas of hyperpigmentation.

To learn more about treatment options, schedule a visit at Northshore Dermatology online or by phone today.