Everything You Need To Know About Rosacea And Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. People with rosacea may experience redness, acne-like blemishes, visible blood vessels, and facial swelling. There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Here's a closer look at rosacea and rosacea treatment options.

What Causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain triggers can make rosacea flare up, such as sun exposure, emotional stress, extreme temperatures, alcohol consumption, and certain foods. Rosacea mainly affects middle-aged women with fair skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?

While rosacea may look like acne at first glance, it is much more. The main symptoms of rosacea are redness, swelling, and tenderness across the face. You may also experience visible blood vessels, bumps, and pimples. These symptoms can come and go in, or you may experience them constantly, depending on how severe your condition is.

What Are Rosacea Treatment Options?

Most rosacea treatments aim to reduce inflammation, minimize redness, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Depending on each individual case, treatment may include one or more of the following:

Topical Medications

These creams or lotions contain active ingredients such as metronidazole or azelaic acid that can reduce inflammation and redness in affected areas. However, topical medications are usually applied for several weeks before any improvement can be seen.

Oral Medications

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for treating rosacea. These medications work by decreasing inflammation and controlling bacterial growth in the skin. Like topical treatments, oral medications must be taken for quite a while before any improvement can be seen. In addition, some patients experience side effects from oral medications, such as nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress.

Laser Therapy

This type of treatment uses light energy to treat dilated blood vessels and other blemishes associated with rosacea. Laser therapy reduces redness and flushing in many patients. However, it can also cause some temporary discomfort and stinging at the site of treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Making small lifestyle adjustments can have a big impact on rosacea symptoms. You should stay out of direct sunlight, wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you are outdoors, and avoid triggers from certain foods, like alcohol, that can aggravate symptoms.

Rosacea is chronic, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve the skin's overall appearance. It's important to talk to your doctor about which type of treatment is best suited for you so you can get your skin looking its best again.

To learn more, visit a local dermatologist or their website — such as https://eastcarolinadermatology.com.

Share