Rosacea can have a significant physical and emotional impact on your life. The redness, flushing, and burning sensation you may be experiencing on your cheeks, nose, and forehead go beyond being an inconvenience. It can have a profound effect on your daily life.
Rosacea affects nearly 14 million Americans, typically in adults over the age of 20. While you can get temporary relief from over-the-counter products, lasting improvements for this chronic skin condition often require treatment by a Board Certified dermatologist, such as Houston’s Dr. Solomon Brickman. A personalized rosacea treatment, based upon your condition, can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the recurrence of flare-ups.
It is tough to manage rosacea without medically supervised treatment. At Houston Laser Skin Center, Dr. Brickman stays up-to-date with the latest advances in rosacea therapies, and prescribes personalized treatment plans that cater to the sensitivity of your skin in addition to the triggers that cause your rosacea flare-ups.
What causes rosacea? What are some of the symptoms?
There is not one single, identifiable thing that causes rosacea. However, the condition can be diagnosed through a comprehensive skin exam and a thorough review of your medical history.
Symptoms fluctuate, but typically include erythema, flushing, dry and/or irritated eyes, raised red spots, visible blood vessels, increased skin sensitivity, and bumps on the face that show signs of inflammation. Rosacea is more prevalent in individuals who have a family history of the condition. Other factors, beyond genetics, can include environmental triggers such as exposure to the sun, hot weather, and pollutants—things that are almost unavoidable as a Houstonian.
If left untreated, symptoms can worsen. This could lead to impaired vision or permanent skin damage. Rosacea encompasses a wide range of complex symptoms that vary between individuals. Sometimes, symptoms may resemble other conditions such as allergic skin reactions, eczema, or acne.
Sometimes, Dr. Brickman encounters patients whose rosacea symptoms have been aggravated by ineffective over-the-counter treatments. To determine the most appropriate therapeutic options, Dr. Brickman will first need to diagnose the specific subtype of rosacea.
What are the different types of rosacea?
Rosacea typically falls into four main subtypes:
- Erythematotelangiectatic, or vascular, rosacea: this type causes chronic facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the nose and center of the face. Additional symptoms may include dry, scaling skin that can burn or sting.
- Papulopustular rosacea is similar to vascular rosacea in terms of symptoms, but includes acne-like pustules and papules.
- Phymatous rosacea causes rhinophyma, which is the thickening of the skin on your nose. This type is more common in men and results in a red, bulbous nose.
- Ocular rosacea is a condition known for causing excessive tearing, swollen eyelids, dry and gritty eyes, sties, and, in severe cases, corneal damage and vision loss.
What can trigger rosacea outbreaks or flare-ups?
Numerous environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger flare-ups by increasing blood circulation to the skin’s surface. Keeping a journal of flushing episodes and other flare-ups can help identify personal triggers. Some common triggers for rosacea include:
- Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine
- Spicy foods
- Wind and cold weather
- Exercise
- Certain medications for hypertension
- Heat and hot water
- Extreme stress or anxiety
- Sun exposure
- Skincare and cosmetic products
- Since UV exposure is a major rosacea trigger, it is crucial to use a zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 35 or higher daily. Additionally, using gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products specifically formulated to repair the skin barrier can be helpful.
Get treated for rosacea at our clinic in Northwest Harris County
At Houston Laser Skin Center, we offer personalized rosacea treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs and lifestyle. If you’re experiencing symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition, it’s important to keep track of potential triggers and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brickman, one of the most trusted and sought-after dermatologists in the Greater Houston area.
Led by Dr. Brickman, Houston Laser Skin Center provides compassionate, personalized medical care that Houstonians have trusted for years. Our dermatology clinic will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you effectively manage rosacea flare-ups and regain your confidence. Conveniently located off FM 1960 West near US 290, our dermatology practice is near Cypress, Spring, Tomball, Jersey Village, Copperfield, and other Northwest Houston communities.