Red in the Face: Understanding Rosacea and Options for Treatment

Rosacea is a skin disease in which the skin appears red and flushed. The redness typically starts in the cheeks and nose, but can spread to the forehead, chin, ears, chest, and back. There are 4 main types of rosacea:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea which involves redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.

Papulopustular rosacea includes redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts

Phymatous rosacea in which the skin thickens and has a bumpy texture

Ocular rosacea which causes the eyes to be red, irritated, and swollen

The three main goals of treating rosacea often include reducing (or eliminating) the appearance of rosacea, easing discomfort, and preventing rosacea from worsening.

One of the most important actions in the treatment of rosacea is to avoid triggers. Common triggers for rosacea include becoming overheated, eating spicy foods, or drinking alcohol. People with rosacea can have different triggers, and what triggers one person’s rosacea may not necessarily trigger another’s; it is important to find your triggers and avoid them.

It is also important to avoid sun exposure. Wearing an SPF of at least 30 every day and wearing a protective hat and clothing can help the sensitivity to the sun that often accompanies skin with rosacea.

Using rosacea-appropriate skincare products can also help in the reduction of redness of the skin. Since skin may be more sensitive, it is important to consult with a provider who is knowledgeable in the treatment of rosacea. Utilizing a gentle cleanser twice daily, along with a moisturizer, treatment products, and of course a daily sunscreen, can help manage the redness of rosacea-prone skin. Specific products, such as the SkinMedica Redness Relief CalmPlex® can help reduce the appearance of visible redness. 

There are other treatment options available for the treatment of rosacea. One of the most popular and effective treatments is a BroadBand Light (BBL)® treatment series. BBL is a noninvasive light treatment that can be used to target the dilated superficial blood vessels associated with rosacea. Treating these vessels with targeted light can help reduce the appearance of redness in the skin. Along with that, BBL treatments can improve the overall appearance of skin by stimulating the regeneration of skin cells, resulting in smoother, clearer, more vibrant skin.

To learn more about treatment options for rosacea or to schedule a consultation, call the ARTisans at 605-371-7057.