Rosacea

How do I know if I have rosacea?

While anyone of any age can struggle with rosacea, this chronic skin condition most commonly affects middle-aged women, especially if they have fair skin. Rosacea symptoms can vary from mild-to-severe and can include:

• Blushing easily
• Persistent redness
• Enlarged or bulbous nose
• Swollen red bumps that resemble acne

About half of rosacea sufferers struggle with eye problems (ocular rosacea), too. Rosacea can lead to chronic eye dryness and irritation, as well as reddened eyelids.

What triggers rosacea?

Rosacea isn’t well-understood, although medical researchers find that rosacea tends to run in families. You can even develop rosacea flare-ups because of environmental factors and certain triggers, including:

• Hot beverages
• Spicy foods
• Strong emotions
• Vigorous exercise
• Certain cosmetics
• Smoking cigarettes

Rosacea can also be triggered by several types of prescription medications. For example, if you take a blood vessel-dilating drug for high blood pressure, you have a higher likelihood of struggling with rosacea.

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Diagnosing rosacea is a simple process that involves having a thorough skin evaluation. Usually, your dedicated dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of North Raleigh can diagnose rosacea on the spot.

In some cases, your dermatologist could recommend going through further testing to rule out related issues. Lupus, psoriasis, and eczema, for instance, all overlap with rosacea. A quick blood draw can rule out these related conditions, or even confirm a diagnosis.

Is there a cure for rosacea?

Although no cure exists for rosacea, this chronic skin condition can certainly be managed with the help of the expert dermatology team at Integrated Dermatology of North Raleigh. Depending on the severity of your rosacea, your treatment plan may include any of the following remedies:

• Redness-reducing topical gels
• Laser light therapy (phototherapy)
• Prescription face washes
• Oral antibiotics

Your dedicated dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of North Raleigh also talks with you about rosacea triggers. They can help you determine which triggers are affecting you, so you can learn to prevent future rosacea issues or lessen the severity of flare-ups.

Schedule your rosacea evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of North Raleigh today. You can conveniently book your rosacea appointment either online or over the phone.