Rosacea


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What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in the face. Sometimes, small, red, pus-filled bumps may also be present. Symptoms of rosacea may flare up for a while before going away for some time. While rosacea can affect anyone, it is most common in women of middle age with light skin. There is currently no cure for rosacea, but there are treatment options to help reduce symptoms.

Common symptoms of rosacea include:

  • Redness in the central part of the face, as well as small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks.
  • Red, swollen bumps that may resemble acne.
  • Dry, irritated, swollen eyes and eyelids.

Over time, rosacea can cause the skin on the nose to thicken, giving it a bulbous look.

Treatment Options for Rosacea

The treatment option that is best for you will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your rosacea. Sometimes, different treatment options or a combination of drugs may be needed to find the best treatment that works for you. Dr. Erwin will carefully assess your rosacea to suggest the best and most effective treatment for you. Common treatment options include:

Medications and Therapies

Topical Drugs

A cream or gel may be prescribed to help reduce redness in mild to moderate rosacea. Common creams include brimonidine and oxymetazoline, and results are usually seen within 12 hours after use. Other topical products that help to control the pimples that come with mild rosacea may include azelaic acid, metronidazole, and ivermectin.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for moderate to severe rosacea to control bumps and pimples.

Oral Acne Drugs

For those with severe rosacea that does not respond to other treatments, isotretinoin may be suggested. This is a powerful oral acne drug that helps to clear up the pimples caused by rosacea. Those who are pregnant should not take this medication.

Light-Based Therapies

Laser and light-based therapies may help to reduce redness caused by rosacea. Repeat treatments are often needed to see the best results.

For individuals who have rosacea that affects their eyes, they may be referred to an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist.

Home Remedies

While these remedies may not be as effective as those given to you by a dermatologist, some patients can try these practices to help control symptoms of rosacea.

  • Identify and avoid your rosacea triggers.
  • Protect your face using sunscreen.
  • Gently treat your skin with non-soap cleansers and moisturize daily.

Rosacea FAQs

Can dehydration cause rosacea?

Rosacea can have many triggers, including dehydration. Knowing and avoiding physical triggers such as dehydration and stress can help prevent the symptoms of rosacea from appearing.

Can I get a facial if I have rosacea?

Before undergoing any medical facial procedure, Dr. Erwin gives patients a full evaluation, including skin concerns such as rosacea, before recommending possible treatments.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have rosacea?

Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid if you have rosacea.

Can weight gain cause rosacea?

No, weight gain cannot cause rosacea.

Can you wear eye makeup with ocular rosacea?

Usually. Ocular rosacea is usually a foreign body sensation.

How do I get rid of rosacea permanently?

There is no cure for rosacea.

How do they test for rosacea?

Rosacea is diagnosed clinically (your dermatologist looks at your face and asks you questions about your rash).

Can rosacea affect your eyes?

Ocular rosacea is a type of rosacea that causes irritation, itching, redness, or burning of the eyes.

Does stress cause rosacea?

Sometimes people with rosacea will flush (get red) when stressed or anxious.

How long can you stay on doxycycline for rosacea?

There are low dosage forms of doxycycline that you can take for longer periods of time because it is submicrobial (doesnt wipe out all of your good bacteria in your gut).

Is Cetaphil good for rosacea?

I like for my patients to use Cerave cleanser or Cetaphil cleanser.

Is Rosacea a vitamin deficiency?

No

Is Rosacea an autoimmune disease?

No

Is salt water good for rosacea?

Those of us who grew up on the coast believed this to be true as kids, but this is not medically proven and there are dangerous bacteria in some bodies of salt water.

Should I see a dermatologist for rosacea?

Absolutely!

What foods trigger rosacea?

Some patients experience flushing (redness)with hot beverages, spicy foods and alcohol.

What kills rosacea mites?

Soolantra is a topical medication that kills Demodex mites. Demodex mites are normal, but patients with rosacea can have higher numbers of them which causes inflammation.

Can rosacea be a symptom of something else?

Several skin conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to rosacea, such as contact dermatitis or lupus. A dermatologist can make a diagnosis of rosacea or another condition.

Can I get rosacea on my arms?

Yes, although rosacea is most commonly associated with symptoms on the face, it can also be seen on the arms, back, and legs.

Can rosacea come on suddenly?

Yes, many peoples experiences with rosacea include sudden onset symptoms in response to environmental and physical triggers.

Can stress and anxiety cause rosacea?

Stress and general anxiety disorder can be triggers for the symptoms of rosacea.

Can thyroid problems cause rosacea?

Skin conditions like redness and itching can be caused by thyroid disease, however this is distinct from a rosacea diagnosis.

Does rosacea go away?

No, there is no cure for rosacea. Even though flare-ups may fade over time or with treatment, they return in cycles or in response to a specific trigger.

How can I stop my rosacea from itching?

DIY treatments for rosacea often include using gentle non-soap cleansers and regular moisturizing as well as avoiding triggers of rosacea flare-ups.

Does makeup make rosacea worse?

Certain types of facial cosmetic products can make rosacea worse, whether cleansers or makeup. Finding non-irritating products is key to controlling rosacea in the long term

How common is Ocular Rosacea?

Its estimated that somewhere between 60% and 75% of people who have rosacea will experience ocular rosacea.

Can dehydration cause rosacea?

Not staying adequately hydrated can worsen the appearance of rosacea, although dehydration itself isnt the cause of most cases of rosacea.

Can I get a facial if I have rosacea?

If the rosacea is making your skin overly sensitive, it may not be recommended to undergo facials that arent designed to soothe and heal sensitive skin.

Can I get rosacea on my arms?

Yes, although rosacea most commonly affects the face, neck, and decolletage, it can also appear on the upper arms and shoulders.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have rosacea?

Some people find their rosacea symptoms improve when using a good moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid in it, although every treatment should be tailored to a persons unique causes of rosacea.

Can rosacea affect your eyes?

Yes, over time, rosacea can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, dry, and swollen.

Can dehydration cause rosacea?

Not staying adequately hydrated can worsen the appearance of rosacea, although dehydration itself isnt the cause of most cases of rosacea.

Can I get a facial if I have rosacea?

If the rosacea is making your skin overly sensitive, it may not be recommended to undergo facials that arent designed to soothe and heal sensitive skin.

Can I get rosacea on my arms?

Yes, although rosacea most commonly affects the face, neck, and decolletage, it can also appear on the upper arms and shoulders.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if I have rosacea?

Some people find their rosacea symptoms improve when using a good moisturizer that has hyaluronic acid in it, although every treatment should be tailored to a persons unique causes of rosacea.

Can rosacea affect your eyes?

Yes, over time, rosacea can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, dry, and swollen.

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Ideal Candidates for Rosacea Treatment

Patients with rosacea that causes them embarrassment or anxiety can often benefit from rosacea treatment. Seeing a dermatologist such as Dr. Erwin is important in properly diagnosing and treating your rosacea properly for the best possible results. To schedule your assessment with Dr. Erwin, contact our office today.

Contact Us Today

If you are bothered by your rosacea or would like to learn more about treatment options, contact our office by calling (979) 612-2761 or completing the online form to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Erwin. We will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.