There is something youthful about rosy cheeks. Intense redness, though, is a little much. We usually go “red in the face” when we experience a bit of embarrassment. If you are one of the millions of people who are living with rosacea, the factors that could cause severe redness are many. Embarrassment isn’t an instigator so much as it is a consequence of rosacea. Here, we want to discuss what rosacea is and what we might do to manage this chronic condition.
What is rosacea?
The dermatologic condition referred to as rosacea is characterized by varying degrees of redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. What most people notice is that redness comes and goes based on things like the weather or what they eat. In most cases, sun exposure is a primary trigger for flare-ups of redness. In some cases, acne breakouts coincide with more severe rosacea.
Because rosacea is a condition that can only be managed, it is vital to uncover ways to do this. Every person may have their unique sensitivities that need to be identified so they can be avoided. Examples include alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee. Additionally, treatment can be sought to improve symptoms.
Rosacea Treatment Options
- Topical solutions. Because rosacea affects the skin, applying a prescription-strength solution such as metronidazole or glycolic acid may be suggested. Other topical medications exist and may be used in conjunction with other modalities.
- Oral medication. Low-dose antibiotics may be prescribed to inhibit the worsening of rosacea and also to treat the associated eye irritation that may occur in some people.
- Intensely pulsed light treatments may be recommended for rosacea patients because this form of light therapy gets to the source of the issue. Oral and topical solutions are good for management, but treat symptoms rather than facilitate a true healing response. IPL works by sending various wavelengths of light through the epidermis, where they are absorbed into tissue and blood vessels. An additional process supported with IPL is collagen production, which is important to healthier skin.
Your Westport, CT dermatologist can help you reduce the symptoms of rosacea with treatment tailored to your needs. Call (203) 226-3600 to schedule a visit with us.