While rosacea can be irritating all year long, it tends to get even worse during the cold, dry winter months. And without the proper understanding of it, you could actually be making it worse!
Here to help us understand more about rosacea is Dr. Brian Moore.
About Dr. Brian Moore
Born in Cleveland, Dr. Moore attended University School where he graduated Cum Laude. He matriculated at Columbia University and graduated with a degree in English Literature. From there, he decided that medicine was his calling and attended the University of Toledo College of Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Moore trained for one year in internal medicine at the rigorous MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. From there, he completed a two-year clinical trials research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. During this time, he conducted research in several cutting-edge areas of dermatology.
Following this, Dr. Moore went on to complete a prestigious dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, where he learned a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. His areas of interest include medical and aesthetic dermatology, with a particular focus on the biology of pigmented lesions.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels in the face.
“These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.”
In order to avoid confusing rosacea with something else (and in turn, treating it incorrectly), always be sure to have a diagnosis from a trained professional to avoid making the problem worse.
What does rosacea look like?
Rosacea usually causes a persistent redness in the central part of the face. Small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks often swell and become visible.
It can also include swollen, red bumps. Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. Your skin may feel hot and tender.
“Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen eyes and red, swollen eyelids. This is known as ocular rosacea. In some people, the eye symptoms precede the skin symptoms.”
Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.
What causes or triggers rosacea?
There are several triggers for rosacea that you should avoid if you’d like to keep symptoms at bay.
Here are some of the top rosacea triggers:
- Hot drinks and spicy foods
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
- Temperature extremes
- Sunlight or wind
- Emotions
- Exercise
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
How can rosacea be treated?
The acne-like part of this condition is treated with typical acne medications such as antibiotics and retinoid medications, as well as washes.
Often, laser is used to treat the blood vessels. This is a very popular procedure because it is the best way to treat redness.
Keep in mind that in order to properly treat rosacea, it’s important to get a confirmed diagnosis. Otherwise, you could make the symptoms worse.
Book an appointment with one of our trained professionals to be sure!
