Redness, flushing, and burning of the cheeks, nose, and forehead are more than just an occasional nuisance. Rosacea can exact a heavy physical and emotional toll on its sufferers, impacting many facets of life. This chronic skin condition affects some 14 million Americans, is more prevalent in adults over the age of 20 and those with Celtic ancestry. Over-the-counter products may temporarily soothe rosacea-prone skin, but when lasting improvements prove elusive, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. Rosacea treatment regimens will alleviate symptoms and decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
Further, it is a frustrating condition that can be difficult to manage without medical expertise. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we stay abreast of the latest developments in rosacea therapies and design a treatment regimen that works best for your sensitive skin and triggers. Help your skin look and feel its best by consulting an experienced dermatologist who prioritizes patient care and satisfaction.
Symptoms and causes of rosacea
There is no single cause of rosacea, but it can be diagnosed with a thorough skin examination and patient history. Symptoms often wax and wane and may include erythema, flushing, irritated or dry eyes, elevated red plaques, visible blood vessels, sensitive skin, and small pustules or inflammatory bumps across the face. The condition is more common in people with a family history of it. In addition to genetics, environmental stressors such as sun exposure, warm weather, and pollutants can trigger flare-ups.
If left unchecked, the symptoms will continue to worsen, and may even affect vision or cause permanent skin damage. Because it encompasses such a broad range of complex symptoms-- that vary between individuals-- it can resemble other conditions such as allergic skin reactions, eczema, and acne. We often see patients whose rosacea symptoms have been aggravated by OTC therapies that are ineffective at best.
To identify the right therapeutic options, our dermatologists will first need to diagnose your subtype.
Types of Rosacea
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea – also known as vascular rosacea, causes chronic facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels across the nose and center of the face. Other symptoms include dry, scaling skin that can burn or sting.
- Papulopustular rosacea – is associated with the same symptoms as vascular rosacea, with the addition of acne-like pustules and papules.
- Phymatous rosacea – this subtype causes a thickening of the skin on the nose, known as rhinophyma. Phymatous rosacea is more predominant in men and results in a red, bulbous nose.
- Ocular rosacea – is characterized by excessive tearing, swollen eyelids, dry and gritty eyes, sties, and-- in more severe cases-- corneal damage and vision loss.
Common triggers for rosacea flare-ups
Many environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger outbreaks by increasing circulation to the skin’s surface. It’s a good idea to keep a journal of when you experience flushing and other flare-ups. This will help you pinpoint some of your own sensitivities.
Some of the more common rosacea triggers include:
- Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine
- Spicy food
- Wind and cold
- Exercise
- Certain medications for hypertension
- Heat and hot water
- Extreme stress or anxiety
- Sun exposure
- Skincare and cosmetic products
Because UV exposure is one of the top rosacea triggers, it’s essential to use a zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 35 or greater every day. Using gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products specifically formulated to repair the skin barrier-- can also help.
Rosacea treatments
Avoiding personal triggers is key for controlling the intensity of rosacea symptoms. Medical treatments will depend on the severity of the condition and the subtype. Our dermatologists may recommend one or a combination of the following therapies:
- Topical treatments such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, brimonidine, and retinoids
- Oral medications including doxycycline and isotretinoin
- Laser therapy to shrink dilated blood vessels and diminish erythema
- Steroid eye drops for ocular rosacea
Rosacea dermatologist in Dallas Fort Worth
At Dallas Dermatology Partners, rosacea treatment protocols are customized to our patient’s specific needs and lifestyle. If you have symptoms of this inflammatory skin disease, keep track of potential triggers, and book a Dallas dermatology appointment for compassionate medical care that local residents have come to trust. Together, we will explore a personalized treatment plan to help you control rosacea flare-ups-- and boost your confidence in the process. Our dermatology practice is centrally located and convenient to communities throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Addison, Plano, Frisco, and Richardson.