ROSACEA TREATMENTS

Rosacea is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease that causes redness, acne-like pimples, small visible blood vessels on the face, and flushing of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. This inflammation of the face can affect the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. More than 16 million people suffer from rosacea. It is not contagious, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is inherited. There is no known cause or cure for rosacea. The onset of rosacea is common during middle age, between age 30-50, but it has been reported in children and the elderly as well. It occurs more often in women but cases in men are generally more severe. It more often in fair complexions and occurs less frequently in people of color. It is characterized by flare-ups and remissions and can affect one’s self esteem. Left untreated, over time, the skin may become ruddier in color and more small blood vessels (like spider veins) may appear on the face. In some cases, bumps and pimples may form, the end of the nose may become swollen, red and bulbous and eyes may become irritated with a sensation as if there is sand in the eyes.

Common symptoms include:
• flushing
• persistent redness on the central face
• bumps or acne-like pimples
• visible blood vessels on facial skin
• watery or irritated eyes
• burning, itching or stinging of facial skin • skin roughness and dryness
• raised red patches
• swelling (edema) Lifestyle and environmental triggers for rosacea include:
• sun exposure
• extremes of weather and wind
• certain medications
• emotional stress
• ingestion of alcohol
• heavy exercise
• spicy foods
• hot baths
• heated beverages
• certain topical skin care products

During a consultation, our Nurse Practitioner will discuss your history to identify triggers that should be avoided as possible. Treatments we offer and may recommend include:
• sensitive skin care
• topical sunscreens
• prescribed topical medications targeting different etiologies
• oral antibiotics (for severe cases involving inflammation and pimples)
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photo Facial for reduction of redness and broken capillaries