Rosacea
Rosacea is a very common skin condition that affects a large portion of Americans. It is characterized by flushed, red skin, papules, pustules and visible blood vessels.
Rosacea is often misunderstood for an allergic reaction, acne and other skin problems.
What are the signs of rosacea?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of rosacea include:
Symptoms of rosacea can be aggravated through environmental and genetic factors. These include:
After inspecting your skin, your doctor may recommend a medication to combat your rosacea. These include medications that reduce redness, like brimonidine; azelaic acid and metronidazole; oral antibiotics like doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, and others to address inflammation in the skin; and, for severe cases, isotretinoin, an oral acne drug that eliminates acne-like lesions of rosacea.
Your doctor may also suggest laser therapy, which reduces the redness of enlarged blood vessels.
It is advised not to perform self-diagnosis or at-home treatments, as some over-the-counter medications may aggravate skin further. The key to rosacea relief is early diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, rosacea can worsen quickly and become more difficult to treat.
Dermatology of Athens
Give us a call if you suspect you have rosacea. Dermatology of Athens is trained on the myriad of common skin irritants, and we can provide expert guidance on how to combat your rosacea symptoms for clear, happier skin.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 706.353.8220