Rosacea can have a significant physical and emotional impact on your life. The redness, flushing, and burning sensation you may experience on your cheeks, nose, and forehead go beyond being an inconvenience; they can profoundly affect your daily life.
Rosacea affects nearly 14 million Americans, typically adults over the age of 20. While over-the-counter products may offer temporary relief, lasting improvements for this chronic skin condition often require treatment by a Board-Certified dermatologist like Houston’s Dr. Solomon Brickman. A personalized rosacea treatment based on your condition can help alleviate symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Managing rosacea without medically supervised treatment is challenging. At Houston Laser Skin Center, Dr. Brickman stays current with the latest advances in rosacea therapies, prescribing personalized treatment plans that cater to your skin’s sensitivity and specific triggers.
What causes rosacea? What are some of the symptoms?
There is no single identifiable cause of rosacea. However, the condition can be diagnosed through a comprehensive skin exam and a thorough review of your medical history.
Symptoms fluctuate but typically include erythema (redness), flushing, dry and/or irritated eyes, raised red spots, visible blood vessels, increased skin sensitivity, and inflamed bumps on the face. Rosacea is more prevalent in individuals with a family history of the condition. Other factors beyond genetics include environmental triggers such as sun exposure, hot weather, and pollutants—almost unavoidable for Houstonians.
If left untreated, symptoms can worsen, potentially leading to impaired vision or permanent skin damage. Rosacea encompasses a wide range of complex symptoms that vary between individuals. Sometimes, symptoms may resemble other conditions like allergic skin reactions, eczema, or acne.
Dr. Brickman often sees patients whose rosacea symptoms have been aggravated by ineffective over-the-counter treatments. To determine the most appropriate therapeutic options, Dr. Brickman will first need to diagnose the specific subtype of rosacea.
What are the different types of rosacea?
Rosacea typically falls into four main subtypes:
- Erythematotelangiectatic (Vascular) Rosacea: This type causes chronic facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the nose and center of the face. Additional symptoms may include dry, scaling skin that can burn or sting.
- Papulopustular Rosacea: Similar to vascular rosacea in terms of symptoms but includes acne-like pustules and papules.
- Phymatous Rosacea: Causes rhinophyma, the thickening of the skin on the nose. More common in men, it results in a red, bulbous nose.
- Ocular Rosacea: Known for causing excessive tearing, swollen eyelids, dry and gritty eyes, sties, and, in severe cases, corneal damage and vision loss.
What can trigger rosacea outbreaks or flare-ups?
Numerous environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger flare-ups by increasing blood circulation to the skin’s surface. Keeping a journal of flushing episodes and other flare-ups can help identify personal triggers. Common triggers for rosacea include:
- Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine
- Spicy foods
- Wind and cold weather
- Exercise
- Certain medications for hypertension
- Heat and hot water
- Extreme stress or anxiety
- Sun exposure
- Skincare and cosmetic products
Since UV exposure is a major rosacea trigger, it is crucial to use a zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 35 or higher daily. Additionally, using gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products specifically formulated to repair the skin barrier can be helpful.
Get treated for rosacea at our clinic in Northwest Harris County
At Houston Laser Skin Center, we offer personalized rosacea treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs and lifestyle. Suppose you’re experiencing symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition. In that case, it’s important to track potential triggers and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brickman, one of the most trusted dermatologists in the Greater Houston area.
Led by Dr. Brickman, Houston Laser Skin Center provides compassionate, personalized medical care that Houstonians have trusted for years. Our dermatology clinic will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you effectively manage rosacea flare-ups and regain your confidence. Conveniently located off FM 1960 West near US 290, our dermatology practice serves residents of Cypress, Spring, Tomball, Jersey Village, Copperfield, and other Northwest Houston communities.