It’s estimated that 16 million Americans have a skin condition known as rosacea. But the vast majority of those people don’t know they have it. They think they’re simply prone to blush, or that their skin is overly sensitive.
At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, we know that’s not the case. Since April is “Rosacea Awareness Month,” here’s some information on this skin condition and how we treat it.
What is rosacea?
Dr. Bernard Gasch, who specializes in innovative medical and cosmetic skin treatments at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, has firsthand knowledge of rosacea because he has it.
“Rosacea is a condition that affects patients both physically and emotionally and can greatly impact a patient’s confidence,” he explains. Rosacea causes facial redness and flushing, but it can also lead to the formation of small bumps resembling pimples, a burning sensation on the face, swelling, and other issues.
What are the signs of rosacea?
Rosacea typically begins with flushing or redness in the face. This can extend down to the neck, chest, and back. Tiny blood vessels may be visible, particularly in the center of the face and these can extend outward as the condition worsens.
Rosacea can be categorized by its symptoms into these subtypes:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea— a Visible web of tiny blood vessels, persistent redness or flushing
- Papulopustular rosacea— Red bumps, pustules, or pimples
- Phymatous rosacea— Enlargement or thickening of nasal skin due to overactive oil glands in the nose and the surrounding skin
- Ocular rosacea— Swelling and redness of the eyelids, dry eyes, excessive tearing, recurrent eye infections
Treating rosacea
At Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, we treat rosacea effectively with a combination of these methods:
- Oral antibiotics— Tetracycline, amoxicillin, and doxycycline can reduce pimples and inflammation.
- Topical creams— Creams such as metronidazole and azelaic acid control rosacea.
- Other medication— Topical steroids can reduce inflammation but can be used on a short-term basis only.
- Skin cleansers— While patients should not scrub their face excessively, over-the-counter and prescription cleansers can relieve symptoms.
- Photodynamic therapy— In this therapy, a liquid is first applied to the skin and is then activated by a special light. Photodynamic therapy can reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.
- Laser treatment— Laser treatments target blood vessels on a person’s chest, neck, and face and have proven effective.
- Chemical peels— For some patients, chemical peels control rosacea.
At Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, we want patients to know they aren’t the only ones dealing with rosacea. And we want people to know that the condition can be successfully treated, so you don’t have to simply “live with it.”
If you think you may have rosacea, don’t hesitate to call the experienced team at Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, (503) 297-3440, and let us help you.
Are you unknowingly affected by this common condition?
Chances are you may not know you have rosacea. Dr. Bernard Gasch, who specializes in innovative medical and cosmetic skin treatments at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, suffers from rosacea himself. He wants to shed a little light on this frustrating but extremely common skin condition.
Dr. Gasch notes that “while rosacea is believed to affect more than 16 million Americans, the National Rosacea Society estimates that as few as 10 percent of those with the condition are being treated for it. That’s why Rosacea Awareness Month is so important — to encourage those living with rosacea to seek treatment.”
Dr. Gasch explains that “rosacea is a condition that affects patients both physically and emotionally and can greatly impact a patient’s confidence.” Rosacea causes facial redness and flushing but can also lead to the formation of small bumps resembling pimples, a burning sensation on the face, swelling, and other issues.
While there isn’t a cure for rosacea, qualified dermatological care can effectively treat and manage the condition. “There are new ways to manage rosacea,” Dr. Gasch says. We treat rosacea with a combination of oral and topical medication, as well as laser and pulsed light treatments.”
“Patients living with rosacea need to understand they are not alone, and that useful, innovative treatment options are available to them,” Dr. Gasch says. “During this upcoming month, I encourage these patients to consult with a caring board-certified dermatologist to take a proactive role in managing their rosacea skin concerns and symptoms.”
Do you think you could have rosacea? Call us at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, 503-2907-3440, and let’s see how we can help.
Some people think they often are lightly sunburned. Others think they blush easily. Others wonder if they had one too many drinks that night.
Most don’t wonder if they have rosacea, but they should. It is estimated that 14 million Americans have rosacea, but most don’t
know.
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that usually affects the skin on the face. It shows itself in redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. It starts as simple redness, as if blushing, but if left alone rosacea can develop into a more ruddy redness.
While usually on the face, rosacea can also appear on the chest, back, or neck. It can even affect the eyes, making them appear bloodshot and watery. Rosacea can lead to solid red bumps and pus-filled pimples.
What causes rosacea?
Rosacea remains somewhat of a mystery, its exact cause unknown. One line of thinking holds that rosacea is a disorder of the blood vessels. Other theories involve microscopic skin mites, fungus, psychological factors, and a malfunction of the connective tissue under the skin.
Symptoms
Although symptoms of rosacea vary greatly between people, the condition will always include at least one of these primary signs:
- Flushing — This is often the earliest sign of the disorder, where the person frequently blushes or flushes.
- Persistent redness — This may resemble a sunburn or blush that doesn’t pass.
- Visible blood vessels — Small blood vessels may become visible on the skin.
- Bumps and pimples — This can resemble acne, as small red bumps or pus-filled pimples form. There are never blackheads, though.
- Eye irritation — Called ocular rosacea, this involves bloodshot, watery eyes. Styes can also result.
- Dry appearance — The central facial skin may appear dry, but is actually just very rough.
- Plaques — These are raised red patches, similar to what is found in psoriasis, but the surrounding skin is unaffected.
- Burning or stinging — The face may constantly feel tight or burning/stinging sensations can develop.
- Swelling — Facial swelling.
- Skin thickening — This usually occurs on the nose and is called rhinophyma, where the skin enlarges due to the production of excess tissue.
Diagnoses and treatment of rosacea
While there is no specific test for rosacea, the team at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery is well versed in the disorder. Treatments are individual, but include medications, both oral and topical, to bring the condition under control. Procedures can be performed to remove visible blood vessels and lessen reddening.
There are also a series of triggers that should be avoided. When in our offices discussing your condition, we will walk you through things that can trigger your rosacea.
Do you think you may have rosacea? Call us at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, 503-297-3440, and let’s have a look.
Dr. Bernard Gasch, who specializes in innovative medical and cosmetic skin treatments at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery in Portland, Oregon, announces that April 1 marks the beginning of Rosacea Awareness Month. Dr. Gasch, who suffers from rosacea himself, takes a moment to draw attention to this extremely common and frustrating condition.
“While rosacea is believed to affect more than 16 million Americans, the National Rosacea Society estimates that as few as 10% are actually being treated for it,” reports Dr. Gasch. “This is why Rosacea Awareness Month is so important – to encourage those living with Rosacea to seek treatment for the first time.”
“Rosacea is a condition that affects many patients both physically and emotionally. Beyond the hallmark symptoms of facial redness and swelling, rosacea can hinder a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.” Dr. Gasch went on to cite additional symptoms, including small bumps resembling pimples as well as a burning sensation on the face, among others.
Emphasizing the importance of seeking qualified dermatological care, Dr. Gasch explained how rosacea can be effectively treated today. “While there is currently no cure for rosacea, there are new ways to manage the condition. We begin by identifying a patient’s ‘triggers’, which are lifestyle factors that can cause a rosacea flare-up. Common triggers include stress, sun exposure, among others. “In terms of treatments for rosacea, many patients benefit from a combination of oral and topical medications, as well as laser and light treatments.”
In support of the month-long effort, he National Rosacea Society (NRS) released a statement on the importance of public education about the condition. “Research into possible causes of rosacea continues to grow, and as a result, so do the treatment options. Recognizing that rosacea is a manageable medical condition is the first step for those individuals who feel the sting of a stranger’s stare, or unintentionally disturbing comment.”
Dr. Gasch thoroughly agrees with this statement. “It is very important for patients living with rosacea to realize that they are not alone, and that there are many innovative treatments that will help them manage their symptoms. I know from experience how difficult living with rosacea can be, so I look forward to helping patients with rosacea live a better life.”
Interested in Learning More About Treating Rosacea?
For more information about rosacea, or any dermatology service we provide, contact the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery to schedule an appointment with any of our providers. We have two offices conveniently located at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland as well as in Hillsboro, and we can be reached at 503-297-3440.
It’s estimated that 16 million Americans have a skin condition known as rosacea. But the vast majority of those people don’t know they have it. They think they’re simply prone to blush, or that their skin is overly sensitive.
