Skin Conditions and Skin Care

Signs of Rosacea

The signs of rosacea are easily recognizable once the individual knows what she is looking for. The signs of rosacea include both primary and secondary signs. Those with rosacea typically display one or more of the primary signs but may also exhibit a combination of the secondary signs.

The primary signs of rosacea include:

• Flushing
• Persistent redness
• Bumps and pimples
• Visible blood vessels

The secondary signs of rosacea may include:

• Eye irritation
• Burning or stinging
• Dry appearance
• Plaques
• Skin thickening
• Swelling
• Signs which migrate to the neck, chest, scalp or ears

Treatment of Rosacea

The treatments of rosacea may vary significantly from one patient to the next. The reason for this is the signs and reactions may vary from one patient to the next. A dermatologist works with the patient to determine the products and treatments which will be most effective for the individual patient.

Treatment of rosacea typically involves treatment with an oral antibiotic followed by a topical treatment. The oral antibiotic and topical treatments can help to eliminate the signs. Once the signs are eliminated or minimized, the dermatologist may also recommend a topical treatment as an ongoing maintenance plan for preventing future bouts of rosacea.

Some signs of rosacea may require more aggressive treatments. Lasers, pulsed light sources or other medical procedures may be required in certain situations. This may include visible blood vessels, extensive redness or disfigurement of the nose as a result of the rosacea.

Comparing Rosacea Products and Treatments

There is a great amount of customization in the treatment process for rosacea.  This customization is due to a wide spectrum of signs and degrees of symptoms as well as an even wider spectrum for patient reactions to the treatments.   These varying degrees of signs as well as reactions to the treatments make it difficult to find the right treatment products and options.  Each patient should work with her dermatologist to device an initial treatment strategy.  The patient should carefully monitor herself once treatment begins and make the dermatologist aware of any adverse reactions.  With this information the dermatologist can evaluate whether or not the treatment strategy is effective or whether a new strategy is warranted.

Coping with Rosacea

Once rosacea is treated, patients may still be subject to reoccurrences.   Some factors which may trigger an outbreak of rosacea include weather, stress, food, exercise and drugs.  Avoiding weather related outbreaks includes protecting the face from the sun, avoiding humid conditions and using moisturizer during cold weather. Stress can also trigger rosacea so patients should devise a stress management plan. Any foods can trigger a rosacea outbreak but spicy foods, hot foods and alcoholic beverages are often problematic. Long, intense exercise sessions may also contribute to the onset of rosacea. Those who are prone to rosacea should consider shorter sessions which are less intense. Certain drugs may also contribute to rosacea. Vasodilator drugs and topical steroids in particular may trigger or exacerbate rosacea signs.