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Charleston Dermatology Blog

Causes and Effects of Rosacea

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Have you ever met someone who has extra sensitive skin? Their cheeks easily flush when there’s a slight breeze or their face turns bright red if spend any time out in the sun? While you may just assume it has to do with their skin type (and it very well might), there’s also a very good chance that person is living with rosacea.

Rosacea is a common skin condition that begins with the tendency to blush or flush more easily than the average person. Millions of people are living with rosacea and their condition is written on their face — literally.

There are four different types of rosacea, and unfortunately, they all appear on the face:

  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is identified by redness, flushing and visible blood vessels
  • Papulopustular rosacea is identified by redness, swelling and acne-like breakouts
  • Phymatous rosacea is identified by thickening skin and bumpy texture of the skin
  • Ocular rosacea is identified by red eyes, swollen eyelids and sty-like bumps

While there are no known causes for rosacea, researchers have been able to identify correlations between individuals who are living with rosacea and a variety of environmental and hereditary factors.

First, rosacea is most commonly found in individuals who are between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, have fair skin, blonde hair, blue eyes and are of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry. It also appears that if you have a family member with rosacea, there is a higher probability you will have it, too.

Next, environmental factors such as your diet and lifestyle can increase flare-ups from rosacea. For example, eating hot or spicy foods, drinking alcohol, using certain cosmetics, exercising, or being exposed to extreme temperatures, sunlight or wind have all been shown to amplify the symptoms of rosacea. Additionally, stress can play a huge role in causing flare-ups.

Unfortunately, there is no exact cure for rosacea. But, your dermatologist can help treat rosacea by minimizing the symptoms.

Your dermatologist could potentially prescribe medication to reduce redness or oral antibiotics to fight inflammation. For more severe cases, they may even prescribe laser therapy to help reduce the redness of your enlarged blood vessels.

The best thing you can do if you think you are suffering from rosacea is to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. They will be able to give you a diagnosis and work with you to identify triggers, create a treatment plan and help you look and feel better.

Think you may have rosacea? Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today!

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