One morning after getting out of bed, you look in the mirror and are surprised to see redness and irritation all over your nose and cheeks. After doing a quick online search, you find that you might have rosacea, but you have no idea what that means. Read on to learn more about this common skin condition, its symptoms, and how it can be treated with the help of your trusted dermatologist at Complexions Dermatology.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common and persistent skin condition that usually appears on one’s cheeks and nose. Typically, rosacea presents itself as redness in the center of the face from blood vessels in the area opening up (dilating), leading to significant swelling. Rosacea comes and goes with flare-ups, and those with the condition don’t often experience it at all times.
Activities like smoking, eating spicy food, drinking alcoholic beverages, vigorous exercise, and being in extreme temperatures can cause flare-ups to occur. Some blood pressure medications that work by dilating blood vessels can also prompt flare-ups, as can irritating skin care products or makeup.
What are the Symptoms of Rosacea?
Aside from redness, flushing, and skin that is warm to the touch, rosacea can also come with acne-like bumps that may or may not be filled with pus. It can affect a person’s eyes as well, making them irritated, swollen, and dry. This is called ocular rosacea. Rhinophyma, an enlarged, bulbous, and pitted nose, can also occur after having rosacea for an extended period of time due to abnormal skin growth and enlarged oil glands.
How Can a Dermatologist Help?
If you have continual redness and irritation on your face that won’t go away, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a check-up. Your dermatologists will perform a visual exam to confirm and diagnose the skin condition and rule out other possible conditions. Being diagnosed with a visible skin condition can reduce a person’s self-esteem and lead to anxiety or depression, but fortunately, there are several treatment options for those with rosacea.
Some of those treatments include:
- Proper skin hygiene
- Avoiding irritating skincare products
- Prescription creams and gels that reduce redness
- Oral antibiotics
- Other anti-acne drugs
- Laser therapy
Complexions Dermatology providers will work with you to determine your plan of action for treating rosacea. Although it can be an unpleasant condition for many reasons, making an appointment at one of our 2 convenient locations can help you get it under control in no time!