Rosacea generally begins after age 30 and goes through cycles of flare-ups and remissions. Over time, it gets ruddier in color and small blood vessels (like spider veins) may appear on the face. If left untreated, bumps and pimples may form, the end of the nose may become swollen, red and bulbous and eyes may water or become irritated.
Rosacea occurs most often among people with fair skin who tend to blush or flush easily. It occurs more often among women than men, but men tend to suffer from more severe symptoms. Most patients experience multiple symptoms at varying levels of severity. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms may also appear on the neck, chest, scalp and ears. Because of the varied and shared symptomology of this skin condition, it’s a smart idea to visit a rosacea dermatologist and skin specialist, even if you’re fairly confident you know what the problem is. This also allows for personalized treatment recommendations from a qualified medical professional.
Research conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that the leading triggers for rosacea are:
If you believe you may be experiencing rosacea, know that you’re not the only one. While local rates are not as high as they are in some New England states, Illinois still has a higher regional incidence rate of rosacea than most U.S. states.
While there is no cure for rosacea and each case is unique, your dermatologist will probably prescribe oral antibiotics and topical medications to treat rosacea and reduce the severity of the symptoms. When the condition goes into remission, only topical treatments may be needed. In more severe cases, a vascular laser, intense pulsed light source or other medical device may be used to remove any visible blood vessels and reduce excess redness and bumpiness on the nose.
To help reduce the incidence of flare-ups, a gentle daily skin care routine is recommended that includes the use of mild, non-abrasive cleansers, soft cloths, rinsing in lukewarm water (not hot or cold), and blotting the face dry (not rubbing). Additionally, individuals with rosacea need to protect themselves from sun exposure by using sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher and sunblock that eliminates UVA and UVB rays. Patients are also encouraged to keep a record of flare-ups to try and determine the lifestyle and environmental triggers that aggravate the condition.
If you are interested in an evaluation by one of our board-certified rosacea dermatologists, schedule an appointment by using our Contact page.
