Rosacea is a lasting skin condition that flares-up periodically. It is characterized by redness, pimples, and visible blood vessels on your face. Rosacea is very common in the United States, especially among women with fair skin and people aged 30 to 60 years old.
If you have rosacea, you may notice yourself easily blushing and flushing around your cheeks. Eventually, redness will persist around your nose area before it extends to the rest of your face.
The following signs and symptoms may flare-up for weeks to months and then disappear or diminish for some time:
- Facial redness: a persistent redness in the middle area of your face. Small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks often swell and become visible.
- Swollen red bumps: pimples on your face, resembling acne, that can sometimes contain pus and make your skin feel hot and tender.
- Eye problems: eye dryness, tearing, burning, irritated eyes, and inflamed, reddened eyelids.
- Enlarged nose: thickening of the skin on your nose, causing your nose to appear round and swollen (rhinophyma).
Treatments
Diet Modifications
Your dermatologist may advise you to avoid certain foods that are known to trigger rosacea flare-ups, including hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee.
Oral Antibiotics
You may take an oral (by mouth) antibiotic medication to help control the symptoms of rosacea.
Topical Antibiotics
Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream, which you will apply directly to the area of your skin affected by rosacea.
Glycolic Acid Peels
An acid peel may help reduce the appearance of rosacea and refresh the skin.
Cortisone Cream
Over-the-counter cortisone cream applied directly to the affected skin can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.
Laser Therapy
During this treatment, your dermatologist uses a highly targeted medical laser to treat the symptoms of rosacea.
Dermabrasion
This procedure involves a machine that abrades (scraps away) the top layer of your skin. As your skin heals from the procedure, the surface appears smoother and fresher.
Electro-surgery
Your dermatologist uses an electrical current to treat the symptoms of rosacea during a flare-up.
Tests
Physical Exam
Through a medical examination of your skin, we can accurately diagnose and determine the best way to treat your rosacea.
Blood Test
Your dermatologist may use a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of your rosacea.
Why Choose UHealth?
World-class leaders in skin care treatment. University of Miami Health System is recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in caring for conditions and disorders of the skin. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide superior, personalized treatments for dermatologic conditions.
Compassionate care in an academic medical center. You benefit from the state-of-the-art technology and latest medical advancements developed by our researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. You will receive the most accurate diagnosis and a detailed plan to keep your skin healthy.
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