Do I have Rosacea?

Do I have Rosacea?

It is quite possible since rosacea is a very common disorder. If you’re someone who continues to struggle with “acne” type bumps as an adult, it may actually be rosacea. 

What is Rosacea?

It is a skin condition that typically presents with redness and raised bumps on the face. The areas most commonly affected are the cheeks, nose, chin, and/or forehead but it can also affect the eyes as well. Unfortunately, it is a chronic condition as no medication or treatment can “cure” Rosacea, but the condition can be controlled with the right regimen.

Who gets Rosacea? 

Rosacea occurs in people of all different descents and typically onset happens between the ages of 30-60. It can be underdiagnosed in patients with brown skin, as redness of the face does not always show well through darker skin tones. 

What are the symptoms of Rosacea?

As mentioned above, Rosacea typically affects the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, and/or eyes and every person’s symptoms can present differently. The most common symptoms patients experience are: 

• Redness on the face: Nose, cheeks that won’t fade away. The redness can worsen with certain triggers like sun exposure, and eating chocolate, spicy or hot foods. 
• Easy blushing.  
• Red bumps or papules on the face, red bumps with pus in them (commonly called white heads).  
• Numerous small blood vessels are called “telangiectasis”. They can increase in number and size. 
• A sensation of “grittiness” in the eyes or burning.  
• Rosacea can also change the appearance of the nose, making it red in color and bulbous as well. Leading to almost disfiguring changes.

Oftentimes, patients with darker brown skin who have Rosacea go undiagnosed because the condition doesn’t show as easily as it does on lighter skin tones.

There are many known triggers to Rosacea. Here are some examples: 

• Eating hot or spicy foods 
• Exposure to sunlight 
• Drinking alcohol 
• Drinking hot drinks 
• Strong emotional states or stress

How would I know if I have Rosacea?

Most of the time, your doctor can tell just by the changes seen in your face along with your symptoms. An exam is often needed to make the diagnosis, but no bloodwork is needed. 

Can Rosacea be cured?

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are a variety of medications that can help control your symptoms and prevent flares. 

• Lifestyle changes – Try to figure out just what flares your condition. Once you figure it out, try to reduce or avoid exposure to your triggers. 
• Sun protection – Patients suffering from rosacea should wear sunscreen daily. 
• Medications – There are a number of gels, creams, lotions, or pills that can be used to treat rosacea, and your dermatologist can help you navigate it all.  
• Procedures – Certain lasers, in particular vascular lasers, can be used to help with rosacea as well. These tools work best to reduce or remove the redness from your condition.  
• Surgery – For certain types of rosacea, such as the rhinophymatous variant, surgical procedures can be performed to reverse the nose-altering changes of the condition. 

If you or someone you know suffers from rosacea set up an appointment today to get an evaluation and start your treatment journey. At Essential Dermatology Group, we offer specialized rosacea treatment in Bedford, TX. Call today for your consultation with our skincare experts.