Rosacea is a common skin condition that presents as redness, with or without pimples, to the cheeks, nose, and chin. It is often called “adult acne” because it usually starts many years after adolescence. Although there are many different thoughts on the cause of this condition, there are many different treatment options that can be very effective. Each treatment option is targeted to treat each of the different forms of rosacea – background redness and acne bumps.
One “hallmark” symptom of rosacea is the flushing or blushing of the cheeks when exposed to certain triggers. These triggers can be anything from food or drinks, to environmental factors like cold or hot weather. This flushing is actually the blood vessels in the superficial layers of the skin becoming larger and giving the skin a more reddish hue. After many years of this frequent flushing, the blood vessels will actually stay dilated and the skin will stay permanently red. There are topical gels and creams that can be used to help minimize flushing and prevent the redness from worsening, however it will not get rid of the redness that is already present. This will require a cosmetic laser treatment. Over 2 – 3 treatments, this laser treatment can be very effective. The laser is a quick, in-office procedure and requires no downtime. This treatment can be performed by any of the physicians in our office.
Another common symptom of rosacea is the acne bumps that can accompany the background redness. These bumps usually come and go, but can often be deep, painful lesions that stick around for a few weeks at a time. These can be treated with a combination of topical gels or creams, and if necessary oral antibiotics, and are generally very effective.
There is no reason to suffer with rosacea any longer! There are very many effective treatments that can be used to control flares and get rid of acne bumps. See a dermatologist to discuss the most appropriate treatment option for you.