Rosacea

Rosacea affects at least 16 million Americans. If you’re bothered by facial redness, bumps, or swelling, turn to Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. Board-certified dermatologists Andrew Nesterovitch, MD, and Kathleen Herne, MD, diagnose and treat rosacea symptoms to achieve the healthy, even-toned skin you deserve. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes facial redness, including redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyes. It may also develop on the ears, neck, chest, or scalp.

Rosacea typically begins after age 30 and is lifelong (no cure). However, treatment at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach can eliminate visible symptoms, ease any discomfort, and enhance your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Facial redness is a common sign of rosacea, but you may also experience other symptoms:

• Visible blood vessels
• Pus-filled pimples
• Facial swelling
• Thickened skin patches
• Bumpy skin, especially on your nose
• Acne-like bumps
• Irritated, watery, sensitive, or bloodshot eyes
• Bumps on your eyelids
• Flushing
• Sunburn-like appearance
• Burning
• Stinging
• Dry skin
• Red skin patches

Rosacea symptoms vary from person to person. They could flare up periodically or be persistent.

What are the risk factors for rosacea?

Examples of rosacea risk factors or things that may worsen symptoms include:

• Being female
• Having fair skin
• Family history of rosacea
• Hot or cold temperatures
• Sun exposure
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Hormone changes
• Certain hair or skin products
• Skin mites
• Infections
• Protein malfunctioning in the skin
• Bacteria

Research is ongoing to discover more about rosacea’s causes, including whether or not it’s an autoimmune condition. 

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Diagnosing rosacea at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach consists of a discussion about your symptoms and medical history. Your dermatologist also examines your skin (especially on your face), scalp, and eyes to screen for signs of rosacea and other potential skin concerns.

How is rosacea treated?

Your individualized rosacea treatment plan may consist of:

• Oral medications
• Topical medications
• Laser treatment
• Procedures to correct nose disfigurement 
• Eliminating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) with dietary, herbal, or antimicrobial treatments

These treatments help reduce bothersome, painful, or embarrassing symptoms or prevent them from worsening. 

You might need to avoid spicy foods or other foods that trigger unwelcome rosacea symptoms. It’s also important to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen or protective clothing. 

After beginning treatment, you might experience symptom relief within several weeks or months. Follow up with the Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach experts to ensure an effective, lasting outcome. 

Schedule a rosacea evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.