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Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects over 14 million Americans, many of whom are unaware that they have this condition. Rosacea appears on the skin of the face as areas of redness and small, red or pus-filled bumps similar to acne, and can affect a patient’s confidence and self-esteem as a result. Although rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatments available to relieve symptoms and prevent flare ups, allowing patients to avoid embarrassment and discomfort from the condition of their skin.

Cause of Rosacea
While the specific cause of rosacea is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Symptoms can also be triggered by certain factors, including:

• Hot or spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Extreme temperatures
• Sunlight
• Stress
• Strenuous exercise
• Certain medications

Rosacea can affect anyone, but is most common in fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Women are more affected by this condition than men, since it is often associated with menopause. When diagnosing rosacea, Dr. Rostan will consider your personal and medical history, as well as perform a physical examination of the skin.

Symptoms of Rosacea
Patients with rosacea may experience:

• Redness
• Small red bumps or pustules
• Visible blood vessels
• Flushing or blushing easily
• Burning or stinging of the facial skin
• Dry, irritated eyes

Symptoms most commonly appear on the nose, cheeks, mouth and forehead. Some patients may also experience thickened skin, raised red patches, facial swelling and symptoms spreading to the neck, chest, scalp or ears. The symptoms of rosacea can come and go, as this condition is cyclic for most patients, meaning that symptoms will flare up for period of weeks to months and then lessen for a while.

Since rosacea is a progressive condition, symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses, and can be classified into three different phases. Pre-rosacea symptoms often begin with frequent flushing or blushing, and then progress to a persistent redness on the face. Vascular rosacea symptoms refer to swelling of the small blood vessels around the nose and cheeks, a condition known as telangiectasia. Inflammatory rosacea is when the small bumps or pustules begin to develop and spread across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.

Treatment of Rosacea
While there is no cure for rosacea, there are several treatments available to help control symptoms and allow patients to enjoy their lives without constantly worrying about the appearance of their skin. Dr. Rostan has found that the most effective treatment for rosacea depends on each patient’s individual case, but usually includes a combination of prescription treatment and lifestyle changes.

Treatment for rosacea may include topical products that are applied to the skin once or twice a day, as well as oral antibiotics to relieve the inflammatory symptoms of the condition. Skincare for rosacea includes a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser applied without a washcloth, barrier repair moisturizer and a daily sunblock that contains zinc. Antioxidants applied to the skin such as Vitamin C or green tea can also be very helpful.

Redness, telangiectasia and flushing associated with rosacea are best treated with laser or light treatments such as the VBeam laser or intense pulsed light (IPL). A series of treatments can greatly reduce or eliminate the redness, flushing and broken capillaries associated with rosacea. Dr. Rostan and her staff have seen great success using these treatments on their patients with rosacea.