Rosacea Specialist
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Specialists In Dermatology
located in The Woodlands, TX & Houston, TX
It’s estimated that more than 14 million people in the United States experience the redness and discomfort caused by rosacea. The skin care professionals at Specialists in Dermatology, with locations in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, provide treatments that relieve your symptoms and help ease the frustration that often accompanies rosacea. Call today to make an appointment or use their convenient online scheduling service.
Rosacea Q&A
What is rosacea?
Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on your face. It’s often mistaken for an allergic response or dry skin due to windburn. It tends to come and go, may increase and decrease in severity, and only occurs on your face. Anyone can develop rosacea, even children, but it tends to affect mostly middle-aged women. While fewer men develop rosacea, they do tend to have a more severe type than women.
Are there different kinds of rosacea?
Yes, dermatologists often categorize rosacea into four different subtypes:
- Erythematous rosacea, which causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels
- Acne rosacea, which causes redness, swelling, and an acne-like rash within the red areas
- Phymatous rosacea, which causes thickening skin with a bumpy texture, most often about the nose
- Ocular rosacea, which causes red and irritated eyes with swollen eyelids and other symptoms mimicking a sty
What causes rosacea?
It’s not clear what causes rosacea. It’s not caused by poor skin care or hygiene, but may worsen or is triggered by issues that increase blood flow to your skin’s surface, including:
- Hot drinks, spicy foods, or alcohol
- Temperature extremes
- Sunlight or wind
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, such as some blood pressure medications
Exercise, strong emotions, and certain cosmetics may worsen the appearance of rosacea. It’s also believed there may be a genetic component since a family history of rosacea increases your risk for developing it. Those with fair skin also seem more prone to rosacea, but it does affect those with darker skin tones as well.
What are the treatments for rosacea?
The most effective treatment typically depends on the type and severity of your rosacea. The best strategy often combines several methods, including:
- Topical gels or ointments, such as brimonidine (Mirvaso) or metronidazole, to decrease redness and the pimples associated with mild rosacea
- Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, for moderate to severe acne rosacea with bumps and pustules
- Isotretinoin (Amnesteem or Accutane) for severe acne rosacea that doesn't respond to other therapies
- Pulsed-dye laser treatment with Vbeam Perfecta® which uses laser light energy to reduce the dilated blood vessels found in rosacea
