Rosacea Awareness Month
In honor of Rosacea Awareness Month.
Redness vs. Rosacea: What’s the Difference?
Everyone experiences skin redness from time to time.
You might flush in response to stress, anger, or embarrassment; after a luxuriously hot shower; or during a chilly day on the slopes.
The situational redness that occurs in response to our emotions or changes in the weather is normal.
Sometimes, however, redness persists, indicating a more serious condition called rosacea.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness that occurs in cyclical flare-ups. During a flare-up, which can last from weeks to months, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms on the cheeks, nose, and forehead:
- Facial flushing
- Persistent redness that intensifies over time
- Visible blood vessels
- Pus-filled pimples and/or solid red bumps (sometimes accompanied by burning or itching)
There are four subtypes of rosacea. The first is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), which is associated with facial flushing and redness. Papulopustular (or acne) rosacea tends to go hand-in-hand with acne-like breakouts, while rhinophyma is a rare form of rosacea that involves thickening of the skin on the nose. The fourth and final type, ocular rosacea, affects the eye area.
When Should I See a Dermatologist?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to visit a dermatologist for a thorough physical assessment.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown, an experienced board-certified dermatologist will provide a definitive diagnosis, help you identify triggers, and work with you to manage symptoms.
What a Dermatologist Can Do for Rosacea:
Because rosacea affects everyone differently, no two treatment plans are exactly the same. A treatment plan addresses each patient’s unique triggers and symptoms and may include (but are not limited to):
- Prescription medications, including topicals and oral antibiotics
- Lifestyle modifications (alcohol, direct sun exposure, spicy foods, and extreme hot or cold beverages are common triggers)
- In-office treatments, including various forms of laser and cosmetics
There’s no universal cure for rosacea, but many of my patients see marked improvement with Excel V+ By Cutera, a revolutionary laser treatment that delivers pulses of light energy to alleviate redness, target dilated blood vessels, and eradicate pigmentation issues.
Remember: rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans — so you certainly aren’t alone. To learn more about which of our services can help you manage symptoms and improve your skin, start by booking a consultation. Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments. If you have questions about our safety precautions, please feel free to call the office at (212) 220-0776.
