Diagnosing and Treating Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting 16 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. Signs and symptoms vary from individual to individual and can come and go without being diagnosed and treated. Inflammation causes the skin to turn red and flush. Some rosacea clients experience bumps and even pimples from the condition. Women are more prone to the condition and also more likely to seek treatment from a licensed dermatologist. Men and women between 30 and 50 years old experience more occurrences than those in other age groups, including younger and older individuals. An occasionally rosy cheek may not be painful or embarrassing, but prolonged symptoms can make people uncomfortable and limit their desire to be in social settings. Rosacea is highly treatable, and with a proper diagnosis and proven treatment, the condition can be managed with no outbreaks.

Environmental Factors That Aggravate Rosacea

The triggers for rosacea are unique to every individual, which is why diet and other environmental factors need to be part of the conversation for those seeking relief from this condition. Some people who suffer from rosacea can wear wooly clothes, eat whatever they want, and not have it affect the severity of their skin’s reaction. Others who suffer from rosacea can be exposed to something briefly and have an extreme reaction. The average person with mild to moderate rosacea will rarely seek treatment. Some of the most common agitators include:

• Alcohol
• Sun exposure
• Spicy foods
• Stress or embarrassment
• Extreme hot and cold temperatures

Eliminating some of these common triggers may provide a person with enough relief that they don’t need a professional to help them. On the other hand, some people may not have any of these triggers and still experience flare-ups that can be painful in some cases. Winter weather can be a contributing factor that may cause these symptoms in individuals without the condition. Most people who have these flush breakouts have no idea they have a common skin condition that is highly treatable!

Over-the-Counter v Professional Grade

As with any product, over the counter is convenient and doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription. The risk with over-the-counter treatments is that they do not get to the core of the condition. These topical treatments may give temporary relief, but there is very little (if any) regulation on these products, and marketing can easily overshadow what the product really promises. Those without severe rosacea may benefit from over-the-counter products to treat their rosacea, but this condition may go deeper than a visible rash and rosiness. When a reputable dermatologist diagnoses and provides treatments for rosacea, they are using FDA regulated creams that can target the problem. A dermatologist, who specializes in hair, skin, and nails, will work with patients to identify things in their lifestyle and environment that they may want to change to get longer-term relief from breakouts and flare-ups. Licensed dermatologists have the education and background, along with experience, to offer clients the relief they seek.

Treating Unwanted Rosy Cheeks

Not everyone who has rosacea wants to treat the skin condition. Some people look happy and jolly when they get embarrassed, and their cheeks light up like cherries. Rosacea is a condition that affects everyone differently, which is why only those who feel their lives are disrupted by the condition need to seek professional help. Just about everyone can get flushed in a hot room, but rosacea sufferers feel it on a deeper level. When skin flares up, and an individual experiences what seems like an acne breakout as a result of their rosacea, it may be time to visit a dermatologist for some relief.

It is surprising how many people who have rosacea and other skin conditions, like acne, eczema, and melasma who don’t even know there is relief out there for them. Today, dermatology is a reputable and respected field of practice, and people are finding they can love their skin despite their genetics and other things out of their control. So, teenagers don’t have to suffer from acne. Women don’t have to live with dark age spots on their face, and people don’t have to let skin cancer grow and develop into something more serious. Skin cancer screenings are another area where people are beginning to realize the relevance of participating in annual skin cancer screenings, especially for older adults. Skin cancer is mostly treatable, and early detection is the key.

Not sure where to start? Start by finding a qualified dermatologist in your area. If you live in Atlanta, Buckhead Dermatology is accepting new patients, and Dr. Straughn enjoys helping patients love their skin! Contact their offices today for an appointment at 404-816-4000.