What We Want You to Know About Rosacea

While not as common as acne, rosacea affects millions of Americans — at least 16 million, to be more precise. Researchers even believe that the real number of people with rosacea is much higher.

Whatever the final tally is, suffice it to say that rosacea is very common. Since April is Rosacea Awareness Month, our team of dermatology experts at LaSante Health Center in Brooklyn, New York, thought it would be a good idea to discuss this inflammatory skin condition. 

We feel this is especially important because many people with rosacea aren’t aware of the issue, so it goes untreated. 

Rosacea at a glance

Let’s start with a brief description of rosacea, which many people assume boils down to facial redness and blushing.

In reality, this is a skin condition that includes inflammation and vascular reactivity, meaning it’s much more than skin deep. Rosacea typically comes on around the age of 30, and it can come and go — rosacea tends to flare and then calm back down.

Even though it’s intermittent, rosacea can get progressively worse over time, which is why you should understand the condition as best you can so you can take steps to contain it. Bear in mind, we can’t cure rosacea, so management is the best course of action.

Another point to keep in mind is that rosacea can affect all skin types, but it tends to develop more in people with fair skin.

Signs of rosacea

We’ve discussed the symptoms in broad terms, but we want to get more specific. To start, rosacea typically shows up as blushing easily and/or redness in your face, usually around your cheeks, chin, and nose.

Over time, this redness can become more constant and ruddy, and people often develop permanent facial veins.

In 50% of rosacea patients, the condition can affect the eyes, leaving them watery and bloodshot.

With advanced rosacea, the skin around your nose can thicken, which is medically known as rhinophyma, and it can make your nose bulbous. This side effect tends to occur more in men.

Understand your rosacea triggers

One of the best ways to manage rosacea is by understanding what triggers it to flare up. To give you an idea, common rosacea triggers include:

• Sun exposure
• Spicy food
• Heat
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Cold wind
• Exercise

When you identify your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them whenever possible, thereby minimizing rosacea flare-ups.

Getting help for your rosacea

Other than managing your triggers, our dermatology experts can provide you with some key tools to manage rosacea, including:

• Prescription ointments, such as metronidazole, ivermectin, azelaic acid, and oxymetazoline hydrochloride
• Antibiotics
• Intense-pulsed light therapy
• Chemical peels

You should also use sunscreen at all times when you head outdoors.

If we were to leave you with one thought, it would be that if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we describe above, seek help sooner rather than later. With the right care and tools, you can slow the progression of rosacea and keep your skin in better health.

For expert diagnosis and care of rosacea, please call our Brooklyn, New York, clinic at 718-355-8616, or visit us during our hours of operation. You can also book an appointment online by clicking here.

Our team proudly serves the Flatbush and East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Little Haiti, Little Caribbean, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens communities.