Rosacea

What does rosacea look like?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by persistent redness or bumps on the face, cheeks, nose, or chin. Rosacea is most common among people with fair skin and can affect both men and women. It is a progressive skin disease in which the symptoms typically worsen over time and, though there is no known cure for rosacea, there are ways it can be treated and the skin’s appearance significantly improved.

It appears in a variety of forms: erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, producing background redness and broken capillaries; papulopustular rosacea, which is caused by inflammation and produces pustules or red bumps and in very severe cases, thickening of the nose, a condition called rhinophyma. Rosacea in its advanced stages can make the skin turn a deep red color and the eyes may become red and inflamed, also known as ocular rosacea.

What causes it?

While there is no clinically proven cause or spectrum of causes for rosacea, symptoms may appear worse due to consuming certain foods and liquids, exposure to extreme hot or cold and stress. Physicians suspect rosacea may be the result of a vascular disorder or a microscopic mite known as demodex folliculorum commonly found in the skin. Certain bacteria may also increase gastrin levels which may stimulate skin flushing.

What are potential solutions?

Dr. Ray will comprise a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce your rosacea symptoms as much as possible; this may include one or a combination of therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light, topical or oral medication and proactive home care regimens.