Rosacea is a common cause of facial flushing and color change.
While rosacea isn’t curable, it is treatable. The right rosacea treatment can reduce or even eliminate signs of rosacea, easing discomfort and self-consciousness.
A comprehensive plan can also help prevent rosacea flares, putting patients in control of rosacea, not the other way around.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists in Portland, Oregon, are experts at diagnosing and treating rosacea.
Contact our team or keep reading to learn more about rosacea symptoms, triggers, and treatment.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common and chronic skin condition. According to American Family Physician, up to 5% of people have rosacea.
This condition presents with facial redness and small visible blood vessels on the nose and cheeks. It can also cause pimple-like breakouts.
Rosacea can look different depending on a person’s skin tone.
- People with lighter skin tones tend to develop redness.
- Those with darker skin may see a brown or violet color.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea). When this happens, patients may experience symptoms such as dryness, redness, burning, and itching of the eyes.
Some people mistake rosacea for other skin conditions, including acne, sunburn, or skin reactions. An experienced dermatologist can rule out these conditions before diagnosing rosacea.
Types of Rosacea
There are four main types of rosacea, and many people have more than one. According to NYU Langone Health, these common types of rosacea include:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea shows up as persistent facial redness. Enlarged and visible blood vessels may also appear. Symptoms can flare up, and without treatment, the redness can get worse.
- Papulopustular rosacea causes pus-filled blemishes and red bumps to appear on the skin, along with facial redness and flushing. With this type, blemishes can also appear on the chest, neck, and scalp.
- Phymatous rosacea causes thick, bumpy, and sometimes discolored skin, especially on the nose. This type is rare and occurs more often in men than in women.
- Ocular rosacea affects the eyes, causing them to appear bloodshot or watery. It can also cause eye dryness and burning.
Because there are multiple types of rosacea, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment.
Who Gets Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. However, according to the AAD, women are more likely than men to develop rosacea.
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing rosacea. The AAD states that these include:
- Being age 30 or older.
- Having fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
- Being related to someone with rosacea or severe acne.
- Having frequent acne breakouts.
- Experiencing menopause.
Keep in mind that people can still develop rosacea even without these risk factors.
Common Rosacea Triggers
Each person with rosacea has different triggers that can flare the condition. Understanding your triggers is the first step to controlling your rosacea.
Below is a list of common rosacea triggers, according to the AAD:
- Sunlight and heat
- Wind and cold
- Stress
- Exercise
- Certain personal care products, including makeup, skincare, and hair care products
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol, especially red wine
It’s possible to have multiple rosacea triggers, including some that are not on this list. Knowing your triggers can help you take steps to prevent rosacea flares.
How Goodskin Dermatology Treats Rosacea
In addition to understanding your triggers, it’s also important to get the right rosacea treatment. Without proper treatment, rosacea can worsen, and some symptoms can become permanent.
The good news is that effective rosacea treatment is available at Goodskin Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists offer a wide variety of evidence-based rosacea treatments, including:
- Prescription topical medications, including brimonidine gel and oxymetazoline cream, are used daily to narrow facial blood vessels. These FDA-approved medications can reduce flushing and discoloration. Other topicals, such as Metronidazole cream, can treat acne-like breakouts and redness.
- Prescription oral medications, including low-dose doxycycline, work to reduce inflammation. When used at the non-antibiotic dose, it can be used long-term. Sometimes, a dermatologist may prescribe the antibiotic for a short time to improve breakouts and color.
- Laser therapy uses specialized lasers to reduce the color changes associated with rosacea. Additionally, intense pulsed light therapy can help improve flushing and skin texture. It is gentler than traditional laser therapy and requires multiple treatment sessions.
Your provider at Goodskin Dermatology will carefully review your medical history and perform an exam. They will then use the findings to recommend the best rosacea treatment for you.
Living With Rosacea
Understanding your rosacea triggers and getting appropriate treatment are just two ways to take control of rosacea. Knowing how to take care of your rosacea can also help improve the look and feel of your skin.
The AAD recommends the following skincare tips for rosacea:
- Avoid products containing alcohol, camphor, fragrance, glycolic acid, lactic acid, menthol, sodium lauryl sulfate, or urea.
- Test skincare products and makeup before putting them on your face.
- Gently wash and moisturize your face twice every day.
- Use sun protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, year-round.
You can also use makeup to conceal signs of rosacea. For example, a green-tinted concealer can help disguise redness.
Why Choose Goodskin Dermatology for Rosacea Treatment?
Goodskin Dermatology has spent the last two decades helping patients like you feel good in their skin. Our trusted skin health experts offer Medical, Surgical, and Aesthetic Dermatology for rosacea and other skin conditions.
Starting with your first visit, our team will work closely with you to create your personalized rosacea treatment plan. Your plan will address both your medical and aesthetic goals, allowing you to feel healthier and more confident.
Under the care of our rosacea dermatologists, you can access FDA-approved treatments that can restore your skin’s health and your confidence.
Start Your Rosacea Treatment at Goodskin Dermatology
Effective rosacea treatment is available in the Portland area at Goodskin Dermatology.
Our board-certified dermatologists provide personalized care designed to reduce symptoms, improve skin health, and help you feel more confident in your skin.
With convenient locations in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Troutdale, and Beaverton, accessing expert rosacea care is simple and accessible. Within our offices, you can receive FDA-approved treatments tailored to your unique needs.
We are currently welcoming new patients. Schedule an appointment today to take the next step toward clearer, healthier skin.
FAQs About Rosacea
Is Rosacea the Same as Acne?
Although people commonly confuse rosacea and acne, these skin conditions have different causes. They also have different symptoms.
For example, rosacea can cause redness, flushing, and, in some cases, facial blemishes. Acne can occur on many parts of the body and doesn’t typically cause flushing.
Can Rosacea Get Worse Over Time?
Yes, without treatment, rosacea can worsen over time. It can sometimes lead to widespread, sometimes permanent, skin changes.
Does diet affect rosacea?
Yes, dietary triggers can often lead to rosacea flares. Common triggers include spicy food and alcohol.
Is rosacea more common in certain skin tones?
Yes, the AAD states that people with fair skin are more likely to have rosacea. However, people with any skin tone can develop it.
Can I wear makeup if I have rosacea?
Yes, you can wear makeup with rosacea. For the best results, test makeup before applying it to the entire face. Additionally, water-based and powder makeup are less likely to irritate the skin, per the AAD.
