Rosacea

Sometimes confused with acne, rosacea is a common, inflammatory chronic skin condition. It may manifest itself as either all-over redness or red patches with prominent spider veins, eruptions, and swelling. Common sites for rosacea are the cheeks, nose, forehead or eyelids. Symptoms might include a tendency to blush or flush easily, a bulbous “W.C. Fields” nose, burning or stinging of the face, and bloodshot or irritated eyes.

Q: Who Gets Rosacea and What Causes It?

A: No one knows exactly what causes rosacea but we do know that you are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You are fair skinned and often have blonde hair and blue eyes
• You are female (it is more unusual for men to get it but when they do, the condition is often very severe)
• You blush or flush easily
• You are between 30 and 50 years of age
• You have someone in their family tree with rosacea or severe acne

Q: How do dermatologists diagnose rosacea?

A: Rosacea is diagnosed by one of our dermatologists by examining the skin & eyes.  There is no cure for rosacea but the condition can be managed by identifying the causes of flare-ups. Triggers are different for each individual but some common ones are:

• Alcohol
• Spicy food
• Hot beverages
• Stress
• Sun exposure
• Exercising and/or sweating in hot weather
• Wind and extreme cold
• Saunas or steam rooms

Q: How is rosacea treated?

A: Certain medications can help control rosacea but over-the-counter acne medications are unlikely to be effective.

Treatments include:

• Prescription Medicine
• Sunscreen (wearing it every day can help prevent flare-ups)
• An emollient to help repair the skin
• Lasers and other light treatments
• Antibiotics (applied to the skin and pills can help control a flare-up)

Dr. Callahan can also remove the thickening skin that appears on the nose and other parts of the face with:

• Lasers
• Microdermabrasion,  (procedure that removes skin)
• Electrocautery (procedure that sends electric current into the skin to treat it)