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Charleston Dermatology Blog

Should You Worry About Rosacea?

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  • skin-conditions
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If you’ve ever wondered why you experience skin redness, you are not alone. Around 14 million people in the United States are living with rosacea. While this skin condition is very common, it has many similarities to other skin diseases which is why receiving an official diagnosis is highly suggested. 

What is rosacea?

Even though many people live with this skin condition, only a handful know exactly what it is. Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes facial redness, mostly on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. In rarer cases, rosacea can also appear on the back, neck, chest and eyes. While this condition is quite visible, it is not serious enough to create a cause for concern. However, this does not mean that treatment shouldn’t be considered.

When should I see a dermatologist?

While rosacea is widely manageable on its own, there are certain signs that indicate your disorder is worsening. Consult a board-certified dermatologist if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Visible and enlarged blood vessels on the face
  • Dry, itchy, swollen and/or bloodshot eyes
  • Facial redness that causes pain and swelling 
  • Your facial redness is clearly worsening and/or spreading 
  • Breakouts of pimples on face 

If your rosacea has spread to your eyes, it is vital that you seek medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to eye damage, including blurry vision. 

How to treat rosacea

If you have a mild case of rosacea, simple changes can make a big difference to reduce any uncomfortable symptoms and boost self-confidence.

Rosacea-friendly makeup and skincare are great, simple ways to reduce the effects of rosacea by switching to safer products. Rosacea can cause an increased sensitivity to certain skincare and makeup products so switching to rosacea-friendly alternatives will reduce the possibility of a flare-up. For example, use products geared towards sensitive skin and opt for mineral-based makeup. 

Make sure to moisturize and cleanse your face daily to keep your skin clean and hydrated.

Reduce your triggers. Just like any other medical condition, certain things can trigger this skin condition’s symptoms. Common triggers include, but are not limited to:

  • Stress
  • Long exposure to sunlight
  • Heat
  • Intense exercise
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcohol

To make sure you have accurately identified a trigger, keep a log that identifies when your symptoms flared and what you were exposed to around that time. Once you have identified and confirmed your rosacea triggers, make sure to reduce your exposure to these triggers. 

If you are experiencing a more severe case of rosacea, your board-certified dermatologist may recommend stronger treatments such as topical medications, antibiotics and/or laser treatments. 

Our board-certified dermatologists work for you.

If you are struggling with rosacea-like symptoms and need an official diagnosis or want to explore treatment options, our team of board-certified dermatologists at Charleston Dermatology are here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and visit our website to explore our full list of services.

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