What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a condition that leads to skin redness and tiny visible blood vessels throughout your face. For some, rosacea causes small red bumps that are filled with pus. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne or allergic reactions, but it’s an entirely separate skin ailment.
This chronic inflammatory skin condition can lead to flare-ups that last for several weeks or months at a time before they gradually diminish.
Because rosacea can make it look like you’re blushing, it’s known for making men and women feel self-conscious about their appearance during a flare-up.
Why do I have rosacea?
It isn’t well understood why some people develop rosacea, although medical experts do notice some trends among rosacea sufferers. Rosacea occurs most frequently among those who:
- Are between 30-50 years old
- Have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry
- Are fair-skinned with blond hair and blue eyes
- Have a family history of rosacea
- Have a history of severe acne breakouts or cysts
Women are also more likely to develop rosacea than men. But when men have rosacea, flare-ups are usually more severe than women. Your immune system is likely to play a role in your case of rosacea if it overreacts when certain bacteria are present.
It’s also believed that rosacea is caused by Demodex mites that live on your nose and cheeks. While everyone has these mites, rosacea sufferers may have larger amounts.
In some cases, you might not know exactly why you have rosacea, although the team at Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology can still help you find the right treatment.
How is rosacea treated?
Treating rosacea often involves a combination of topical solutions, prescription medications, and professional skin care treatments. Some of the common rosacea treatments Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology offers include:
- Certain acne medications
- Topical redness-reducing gels
- Oral antibiotics
- Laser skin resurfacing
Treating rosacea early on is essential. If rosacea flare-ups continue to develop, they can spread and reach your eyelids. That leads to painful bumps near your eye that can affect your vision.
Before your rosacea worsens or comes back again, schedule an evaluation at Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology. Call the office to make an appointment or schedule online.
