Is Your Facial Redness Rosacea?

It's normal for your face to get flushed sometimes. Many people get pink in the face, or even red, after physical exertion, drinking alcohol, or even as a result of emotional experiences. However, for some, facial redness occurs due to the medical skin condition of rosacea. Rosacea affects millions of people but is often misunderstood.

At Apex Dermatology, Karin Harp, MD, FAAD and our expert care team provide diagnosis and support for new and existing patients with rosacea. If you're concerned about your persistent facial redness or other symptoms, we're here to help. Here's what Dr. Harp recommends that you should know about rosacea.

Family and personal history risk factors

It's not yet clear exactly what causes some people to develop rosacea, but we know about several factors in your family and personal history that can increase your risk of the condition. Rosacea appears to be related to immune system reactions, and often runs in families. Rosacea symptoms occur in reaction to the small mites and proteins that exist on the surface of your skin, typically protecting you from infections. If you have rosacea, you react negatively, instead, seeing redness, irritation, and other symptoms. 

Disruptive symptoms and flare-ups

Rosacea can present with many symptoms, but the most common sign of the condition is facial redness and irritation. You may see rosacea flares appearing along your cheeks, forehead, nose, or chin. In addition to redness, other symptoms of rosacea include:

• Dry, watery, or irritated eyes, or reddened and irritated eyelids
• Red pimple-like bumps filled with pus appearing across your face
• Facial blood vessels and spider veins showing up more clearly
• For men, thicker skin appearing across the bridge of your nose

While rosacea isn't usually dangerous to your overall health, the discomfort and irritation caused by a flare-up can seriously disrupt your life. You might also find that your rosacea ultimately damages your self-esteem, body image, and personal confidence.

Safe and soothing treatment options

We're still learning about the causes of rosacea, and can't yet cure the condition completely. To resolve your rosacea flares and symptoms, you should look to both medical treatment options and potential lifestyle changes. Dr. Harp can help guide you toward the best treatment and prevention options for your unique health care and personal needs. With the right care, you can successfully reduce the intensity and frequency of your rosacea symptoms long-term.

It may be helpful for you to identify your triggers for flare-ups, including foods, drinks, exposure to sunlight or wind, or some cosmetic products. At Apex Dermatology, we also offer treatment to reduce rosacea symptoms. In addition to treatment with the Cutera® Excel® V laser, removing irritants from your facial surface to soothe your rosacea, we can recommend topical treatments and medications that can help clear up your rosacea symptoms.

To get started resolving your rosacea, schedule an initial consultation appointment with a member of the Apex Dermatology care team today. We also offer video consultations. You can call our Westlake Village, California offices to book your appointment or use the online tool.