Rosacea

Up to 14 million Americans have rosacea, a chronic disorder that causes red, irritated skin on the face. At Brookings Diseases of the Skin and Esthetics in Harbor, Oregon, experienced dermatologist Richard Schultz, MD, and the team offer high-quality care for rosacea, including prescription medication and, when necessary, surgery. Call Brookings Diseases of the Skin and Esthetics today to request a rosacea consultation or make your appointment online. 

Who gets rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes redness in the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. In some cases, the redness extends to other parts of the body, including the neck and chest. 

Anyone can develop rosacea, but it’s most common in adults 30 and older. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes rosacea to occur, but there seems to be a genetic component, as it often runs in families.  

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea symptoms include:

• Visible blood vessels
• Persistent facial redness
• Bumps and pimples
• Flushing
• Eye irritation
• Burning and stinging
• Swelling

As rosacea worsens, it causes your skin to thicken, a condition called rhinophyma. Rynophima affects the appearance of the nose, causing it to become misshapen and bulbous.

Should I see a dermatologist about rosacea?

Make an appointment with Dr. Schultz and the Brookings Diseases of the Skin and Esthetics team if you have symptoms like facial redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels lasting more than a week without improvement. 

Rosacea presents similar symptoms to other skin problems, so it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause.

How is rosacea treated?

Brookings Diseases of the Skin and Esthetics offers several treatments for rosacea. They may recommend:

Prescription medication

Certain medicines can reduce pimples and papules, reducing skin irritation and redness. Some drugs can even keep rosacea in a state of remission, minimizing the frequency of flare-ups.

Photodynamic therapy

If flushing and redness persist, even after medication, the team might recommend laser or photodynamic therapy. These procedures eliminate visible blood vessels and reduce skin irritation. 

Referral for surgery

If you have a severe case of rosacea that’s affected the appearance of your nose, Dr. Schultz can refer you to a cosmetic surgeon. Sometimes, rhinoplasty is necessary to correct tissue damage caused by rhinophyma.

Can rosacea be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent rosacea entirely, but you can reduce flare-ups by avoiding certain triggers. Some of the most common rosacea triggers include:

• Sun and wind
• Hot/cold weather
• Strenuous exercise
• Alcohol consumption
• Taking hot baths
• Drinking hot beverages

To learn more about rosacea and the treatment available, call Brookings Diseases of the Skin and Esthetics to schedule a visit. Or request an appointment online today.