What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes long-lasting redness on your face. In some cases, it may cause enlarged blood vessels to be visible on the surface of the skin, and possibly small, pus-filled bumps.

Rosacea can be chronic, or it can come and go in flare-ups, possibly lasting up to weeks or months at a time.

It’s often mistaken for acne, dermatitis, or other skin problems, which is why it should be diagnosed by a professional at your next dermatoloy appointment.

Is there a cure for Rosacea?

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to control it with medicine, skincare, or carefully avoiding things can cause flare-ups.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Common symptoms of rosacea include:

• “Flushing” or Facial Redness. Depending on your skin color, redness may look more pink or purple. Rosacea can make your face flush more easily, and stay red for longer.
• Visible Veins. Rosacea can cause small blood vessels on the nose and cheeks to break, making them more visible. These are called spider veins and they are more visible on lighter skin tones.
• Burning Sensation. Many people feel that their skin feels tender to the touch, and hot.
• Swollen Bumps. Oftentimes, people with rosacea develop small pimples on the face, which can look like acne. This is one of the ways that many people with rosacea can be mis-diagnosed at first.

In some cases, you may also experience these symptoms of rosacea:

• Enlarged Nose. Because of the breakfage of the blood vessels near the nose and cheeks, rosacea can thicken the skin around that area. This may cause the nose to look bigger. It’s more common to see this condition, called rhinophyma, in men than women.
• Eye Problems. Sometimes, symptoms of rosacea can show up nearby on the face as dry, irritated, or swollen eyes and eyelids. This is called “ocular rosacea.”

When Should I See a Dermatologist?

When you feel like your rosacea is interfering with your everyday life, it’s time to see a dermatologist. This can be anything from being unhappy with the way it looks, to burning, uncomfortable skin. Come see us at Clinic 5C Dermatology and we’ll help you start to feel better.

What Causes Rosacea?

Studies have not found a concrete cause of rosacea. Possible reasons are genetic, an overactive immune system, or toxins in your daily life.

It’s not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not contagious - you can’t catch it from other people.

Daily life situations that may cause flare-ups include:

• Alcohol
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels like blood pressure medications
• Exposure to sun or wind
• Emotional disturbances or stress
• Exercise
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Hot drinks
• Spicy foods
• Cosmetics, makeup, skin, or hair products

Looking for Relief?

If you suspect that your rosacea is being triggered or worsened by lifestyle or environmental factors, the team at Clinic 5C Dermatology can help uncover the root cause.

Our providers take a comprehensive, personalized approach by reviewing your full health history, identifying potential triggers, and creating a tailored plan to reduce inflammation from the inside out. Let's get you relief today!

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