Symptoms including persistent redness, swelling, broken blood vessels and flushing on the face and upper body can be embarrassing, frustrating and painful. We diagnose and care for this condition that affects millions of people with individualized treatment options.
Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects over 13 million adults in the United States. Diagnosed in all ages, it is seen most commonly in fair-skinned adults, especially women, between 30 and 50 years of age. Rosacea is characterized by a persistent or recurring redness, swelling, and flushing on the face and upper body. It frequently includes acne-like pimples, telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), sensitive and scaly skin, and occasionally includes cysts and nodules that can lead to scarring. A keratitis (inflamed eye) can occasionally develop, as can an enlarged and deformed nasal tip called rhinophyma.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important. Many people with rosacea are unfamiliar with their condition and it is often mistaken by the patient or their doctor for simple acne, “dermatitis”, or Lupus. Seeking professional dermatologic diagnosis and medical treatment is an essential first step in controlling this disease. Rosacea can be managed successfully with a combination of treatments individually tailored to the patient’s needs. Avoidance of triggers that can provoke an outbreak, such as stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and overheating, can also help control the disease.
The treatment of inflammatory skin lesions (pimples, dermatitis) requires either systemic therapy, topical therapy or both. Systemic therapy of rosacea includes use of certain oral antibiotics. These medications can decrease the severity of pimple-like outbreaks, irritation-induced dermatitis, and eye problems. They cannot decrease flushing outbreaks or decrease background redness of the face and neck; for this we recommend Fotofacial treatment.
Topical therapy involves the use of medicated gels and creams that may be used alone or in combination with antibiotics. Topical therapy drug choice depends upon the severity of the rosacea and whether your skin is oily or dry. The main advantage of topical medications is the lower risk of systemic side effects and they can also help calm flushing and redness. We recommend our Epionce skin care line, which is very helpful for rosacea.
Persistent redness and dilated surface blood vessels can be cleared with Intense Pulsed Light (Fotofacial) treatments. While not a cure for rosacea, they reduce flushing, facial redness, telangiectatic blood vessels, and acne-break-outs associated with this condition. Many of our patients experience excellent results and a new-found confidence from healthier looking and feeling skin.
Get an appointment with one of our expert providers for rosacea treatment by calling 360-459-1700 or schedule online in our patient portal. We look forward to helping you create a skincare regimen that works and will lead to healthier, clearer skin.
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