It’s normal to get red-faced every now and then. Sometimes you blush when you’re embarrassed or flush when you’re hot. But if this blushing and flushing is permanent, you could be dealing with a common skin issue called rosacea. It’s a condition that causes red skin in the center of the face around the cheeks, forehead, and nose.
Types Of Rosacea
There are four main types of rosacea. They include small swollen blood vessels, pus-filled bumps that look like acne (papulopustular), bloodshot eyes and irritation (ocular rosacea) and skin-thickening that makes the nose look bigger and more red than usual.
What Causes Rosacea?
Nobody knows what causes rosacea, but genetics can play a role. So too can lifestyle factors like stress and heat. Spicy food and caffeine are rosacea triggers that can cause flare-ups. If you have rosacea, you can lessen your symptoms by avoiding:
- Sun
- Alcohol
- Acne skin care products
- Some makeup
- Wind and cold
- Some medicines
Treatments For Rosacea
Your dermatologist can give you topical cream or gel medication to constrict the blood vessels and make your complexion look better. Topicals can also address mild to moderate rosacea bumps and inflammation. But, you’ll need an oral antibiotic like doxycycline if your rosacea is severe.
Lasers And Lights Can Improve Rosacea
Laser treatment is the best option to treat rosacea’s redness. It’s even more effective than medication. It’s especially helpful for people with skin thickening around the nose. A series of at least two laser treatments is needed for maximum results and as many as eight treatments may be needed for more severe rosacea.
Rosacea Skin Care Products
The best rosacea products contain as few ingredients as possible. They are mild so they won’t irritate rosacea-sensitive skin. If you have rosacea, your natural skin barrier is compromised. So you’ll need to be extra careful to use rosacea-specific lotions, creams, and gels to soothe inflammation. You’ll also want to look for gentle cleansers.
Some Products Make Rosacea Worse
Rosacea skin is extra sensitive. This means some products should be avoided, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. All of these products are too irritating for already inflamed skin. Also, avoid putting the following things on skin with rosacea: glycolic acid, hydroquinone, witch hazel, menthol, eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and harsh soaps.
There’s A Difference Between Rosacea And Acne
Those rosacea bumps and pimples are not acne. Rosacea and acne are completely different. A dermatologist needs to tell you whether you have rosacea or acne. Although the pustules can look similar, they require different treatments. For example, putting acne products on rosacea bumps will only make it worse.
An occasional red face from feeling hot or embarrassed is normal. But if this redness persists, a dermatologist can help you manage your rosacea. Also, keep an eye out for other rosacea symptoms like irritated eyes, thickening skin, visible blood vessels, and bumps with and without pus. Reach out today for an appointment with one of our dermatologists. If you have rosacea, they can give you a proper diagnosis and set you up with a treatment plan to help manage the symptoms and keep your face as clear as possible.