Rosacea treatment

Generally, symptoms for rosacea include tiny red spots and bumps. Some manifest visible small blood vessels on the cheek and stinging or burning feeling on the face.

When you flush or blush, the redness tends to remain longer than usual. Some patients may also experience dry, red, itchy or burning eyes or red and swollen noses. Most signs and symptoms vary on the type and severity of rosacea.

The best way to know if you have rosacea is to visit your trusted specialist in Melbourne for an assessment. Your doctor will evaluate the condition of your skin to determine the best way to alleviate its symptoms.

Subtype 1: Flushing with Visible Blood Vessels

This rosacea skin condition is categorized as mild and least severe. It is dermatologically termed as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. This involves the swelling of the sweat glands and drying or flaking of the skin. When this type of rosacea starts to manifest, the skin becomes sensitive accompanied by a burning sensation.

These skin atrocities become more prevalent when the skin comes in contact with make-up, facial creams and lotions. The worse case of this type of rosacea includes visible blood vessels on the affected area, especially when exposed to the extreme heat of the sun or after eating spicy foods or hot drinks.

Subtype 2: Facial Redness with Transient Pimples

This type is otherwise known as papulopustular rosacea. It often includes elevated red spots within red, seemingly flushed skin. The manifestations of pimple breakouts usually appear on and around the area with persistent redness. In most cases, this type of rosacea affects the cheeks.

This rosacea is sometimes confused with acne outbreaks. Although there are similarities between these two skin conditions, the red spots and pus-filled pimples are dome-shaped rather than pointed. There are also no whiteheads, blackheads, whiteheads, lumps or deep cysts.

Subtype 3: Skin Thickening with Nose Bumpiness

This rosacea is categorized as a more advanced condition also referred to as rhinophyma or phymatous rosacea. It typically affects the nose, hence, it usually implores an enlarged nose shape or contour. However, this can also manifest along the eyelids which tend to look swollen.

Although relatively rare, this rosacea is more prevalent in men than in women. The affected skin area shows surface irregularities characterized by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. When the nose is affected, it becomes more prominent because of the expanded pores and thickened fibrous tissues like lesions.

Subtype 4: Eye Irritation

The main area of manifestation for this rosacea is the structures surrounding the eyes. Sometimes it involves the reddening of the eyes, hence, termed ocular rosacea. Other cases are exhibited by a sandy or lumpy feel on the skin. And there are instances when the eyelashes induce crusting or a teary clear discharge.

Some patients also complain about dryness of the eyes or a burning sensation as the redness progress. Others experience swollen eyelids and a seemingly blurriness or vision impairment. This type is the most delicate among the types of rosacea as it may damage the cornea if left untreated.

The truth is, the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown. However, there are several factors that suggest possible triggers that lead to rosacea.

Here are some common triggers that play a role in rosacea:

• When you are prone to stress;
• Irregularities in the blood vessels of some facial structures;
• Direct sun exposure;
• Certain foods including spicy food or those that you are allergic to;
• Food ingredients that have cinnamaldehyde such as tomatoes, chocolate, cinnamon, and citrus;
• An extreme response to microscopic mites known as Demodex which are usually seen on the face;
• Strenuous exercises and other physical activities that trigger the sweat glands;
• Extra-hot beverages or those with alcohol and caffeine content;
• Having the intestinal bacteria called Helicobacter pylori;
• Extreme weather conditions, including both hot and cold climates;
• Intense emotions that lead to flushing;
• certain medications that tend to dilate the blood vessels;
• Cosmetics that contain allergens;
• Excessive smoking habits;
• Exorbitance of a protein called cathelicidin that protects the skin from infection;
• Genetics or family history of rosacea; and
• Age, gender and complexion.

After your skin assessment, your doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of rosacea. This depends on its severity and your outlook on the situation. In some severe cases, laser treatment may be recommended to combat rosacea.

There are, however, ways of minimizing the symptoms of rosacea. If the trigger of this condition are allergens from the make-up you use, it may be best to shop for gentle soap-free cleansers and oil-free, water-based skin-care products. You should also avoid products that contain menthol, witch hazel, alcohol, and exfoliating agents.

In some cases, your doctor will provide a treatment plan that involves a regimen of topical and oral antibiotics. he or she may also ask you to keep a journal of the food you eat, the beverages you drink, and the cosmetics you use. This may include the times you feel emotional distress as well as the places you go to, and when you experience flushing.

At most, you will be advised to avoid direct sun exposure and wearing sunscreen. It may also be best to avoid drinking alcohol or excessive smoking.

Rosacea treatments vary on the type of condition and its severity. For mild cases of rosacea, topical and oral medication are typically prescribed. However, for moderate to severe cases, recommended treatments are usually in-office procedures.

Papulopustular rosacea and other severe types are best treated with light or laser treatment including vascular laser and pulse dye laser. A vascular laser uses light energy to disrupt unwanted capillaries and blood vessels that cause rosacea skin.

A pulse dye laser, on the other hand, converts light to heat energy and uses an organic dye solution to create a laser effect. The laser light then safely and effectively treats facial redness caused by dilated or excessive blood vessels.

For patients with phymatous rosacea, your doctor may recommend microdermabrasion or other skin resurfacing treatments to reduce skin thickening and bumps on the nose and cheeks. For ocular rosacea, you may be recommended to take eye medications or oral antibiotics.

Many cases of rosacea are treated with skin-care prescription. After a skin assessment, your doctor will recommend a diagnosis and treatment to help alleviate any pain and discomfort that patients experience.

While laser treatments are the best option to treat rosacea, some patients opt for home care prescription or treatment. After a comprehensive consultation and diagnosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that mostly involves topical skin-care treatments.

Here are some off-clinic medications that may be recommended for patients suffering from rosacea:

Topical Niacinamide

This helps improve and increase your skin barrier functions which may also act as an anti-inflammatory cream. When your skin barrier improves, even acne outbursts are prevented.

Titanium Dioxide

This chemical compound is usually found in simethicone or dimethicone-based hypoallergenic moisturisers. It can help prevent pore clogging while creating camouflage to redness.

Zinc Oxide

This works similarly to titanium dioxide. It is a common ingredient in oil-free sunscreens.

Isotretinoin Accutane

This dermatology-tested topical ingredient helps reduce redness and unwarranted capillaries on the face.

Azelaic Acid

This acidic compound is usually found in many prescription skin-care creams that help subtle down inflamed blood vessels and capillaries. Many dermatology experts also recommend azelaic acid-based topicals to treat acne outbursts.

Just like any other medical procedure, treatment for rosacea varies. To ensure that you get the most ideal treatment, it is best to contact or call your trusted skin clinic in Melbourne.

During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your skin and assess the severity of your rosacea. Afterwhich, he or she will determine the best treatment that will alleviate the triggers of your rosacea. Triggers such as hot or cold temperature, sun exposure, foods, stress, and medical conditions will be considered during the consultation and diagnosis.

Your doctor will also consider your preferred dermatology-approved treatment and the outcome that you expect. Whether you opt for laser treatment or home care medication, he or she will discuss everything with you. The aim is to help you feel more comfortable minus the never-ending flush and blush.

Treat rosacea with the best SKIN CLUB Cosmetic Doctors treatment… Call our clinic for a consultation today!