If your face looks reddish and you have bumps caused by acne, you might have a skin problem known as rosacea. This skin condition can affect anyone, especially middle-aged white women. Its main cause is still unknown, but doctors have tried to treat this condition by minimizing symptoms. Upper East Side Rosacea dermatologists offer preventative treatments to their patients to help manage this condition. Here is all you need to know about rosacea.
Symptoms of rosacea
You will notice the main symptom is redness on your nose, cheeks, and forehead. After some time, broken blood vessels begin to show on your skin, which causes swelling. Some people can get swollen, dry eyes and eyelids, which is known as ocular rosacea. Rosacea can also thicken the skin on the nose, making it look bulbous. It occurs mostly in men. You should make sure you see your doctor and get treatment to prevent the symptoms like swelling and redness from becoming permanent.
Treatment
Treatment of rosacea requires prescription drugs and good skincare. Treatment includes medication and laser therapy.
Medication
The type of medication prescribed depends on the sign and symptoms you have. You might need a different combination of drugs to find the right treatment for you. Prescription drugs include:
- Topical drugs to reduce flushing. Your doctor can recommend gel or cream to be applied to the affected area if your rosacea is mild. Oxymetazoline and brimonidine are used to reduce flushing by narrowing blood vessels. Results are visible after twelve hours. The medication has to be applied regularly to maintain the results.
- Oral acne drugs. For severe rosacea, your doctor can prescribe isotretinoin. It is a very powerful drug that clears all acne lesions of rosacea. You should not use this drug while pregnant; it can cause complications during birth.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy targets visible veins and can make enlarged veins less visible. It’s more effective on skin that is not brown or black. It would help if you always discussed the benefits and risks of laser therapy with your doctor before treatment.
Major side effects include bruising and swelling that lasts for a few days. During the recovery period, you will need ice and gentle skincare. People with darker and brown skin can experience permanent discoloration. You will need several sessions to maintain the improved results.
Risk factors for rosacea
Rosacea mostly affects people aged 30 -50 and is common in people with white skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. Rosacea can also be genetic. You can get it if you have a family history of the condition. Women are at a higher risk of getting rosacea than men. However, men with the condition experience severe symptoms.
If you feel embarrassed by the look on your skin, your self-esteem can be affected. Talk with your doctor or join a support group where you can find people who understand your situation. You can also look for treatment methods at MDCS Dermatology. The doctors here will give you a better treatment plan to prevent the rosacea outbreak. Contact them today and book an appointment online to learn more about rosacea.
