Submitted by Adrienne Schupbach, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute
What skin condition affects an estimated 16 million Americans, more commonly occurs in women and tends to appear after age 30? If you didn’t guess “rosacea,” you’re not alone. 78 percent of Americans don’t know what this condition is despite the fact that it’s very common. Rosacea typically appears on the face as redness, unpredictable blushing, visible spider veins, acne-like breakouts and bumps. Less commonly, it may result in thickening of the skin and can even affect the eyes, causing itchiness and irritation.
Unlike acne, which most people are familiar with, rosacea isn’t caused by bacteria. Inflammation is the likely culprit, and it can be exacerbated by internal factors such as stress or anger or by external factors, including spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, strenuous exercise and hot beverages. Hot temperatures and sunny weather can also trigger rosacea, so summertime, particularly with long days at the pool and outdoor events, has many of the elements that contribute to rosacea flare-ups.
It’s important to see a dermatologist if you experience any symptoms of rosacea. A dermatologist will first of all make sure that your symptoms are indeed rosacea and not something else such as eczema or acne. If not treated, rosacea will usually get worse and be more difficult to treat as time goes on.
While there isn’t a cure for rosacea, and it doesn’t just go away, it can be treated and controlled — often by making some lifestyle adjustments and simple changes to your skincare routine. The goal of treatment is to control and minimize the redness, inflammation, and skin lesions so that the skin looks better and doesn’t cause a person to be self-conscious about their appearance.
Following are some tips for skin with rosacea:
- Always wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for sensitive skin, regardless of your skin color or the time of year.
- Try to use make-up that is hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free and does not contain peppermint, menthol or alcohol, as these ingredients can be too harsh for skin with rosacea.
- Make sure to use mild skincare products that don’t strip moisture from your skin and aren’t abrasive or irritating. Also, because rosacea can affect the eyes, it is important to remove all your eye make-up at night with a gentle make-up remover.
- Keep a written record of triggers that cause your skin to flush. This can give you clues about what things bother your skin.
- It’s helpful to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
If avoiding triggers and following the suggestions above aren’t effective, there are several prescription treatment options available. In more advanced cases, laser surgery or light therapy may also be considered.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may contact the Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute at 309-451-DERM (3376) www.dermatologistbloomington.com. Dr. Leone and Dr. Schupbach, are board certified dermatologists, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the treatment of skin cancer, moles, acne, rashes, warts, and all skin disorders. Dr. Leone is one of the few Mohs trained surgeons in the area. Their practice, is located at 3024 E. Empire St. 2nd floor (in the Advocate BroMenn outpatient center).
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