Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition comprised of acne-like bumps plus dilated blood vessels, giving the cheeks and nose a ruddy, red complexion.   The inflammatory mediators (cathelicidins, kallikrienes, and matrix metalloproteinases) break down collagen and elastic tissue and release more inflammatory mediators to create a cascade of worsening redness. Occasionally eye irritation occurs in rosacea. Factors like sun exposure, strong winds, cold or hot weather, humidity, emotional stress, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, exercise, and irritating skin care products might aggravate rosacea.

How can I treat it?

Rosacea currently has no cure, but it can be controlled.  It is impossible to avoid all the rosacea tripwires in life, but at CCSD we can help you find the right medications which can control rosacea.

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Medicated creams:  Avene Redness relief cream SPF25 is a tinted lotion to use in the morning to improve the overall appearance of the skin.  Skin Recovery Cream can be used at any time to treat sensitive, dry, flaky skin.
• Laser/Light treatments:  The Gemini Laser can be used to permanently reduce redness by eliminating the tiny dilated blood vessels on the nose, cheeks, and chin. Most patients receive 2-3 treatments.  There rarely is mild temporary swelling after treatment.
• Antioxidants: SkinCeuticals Vit C, E and Ferulic acid Serum and Journee SPF30 contain antioxidants to prevent cell damage, and decrease redness.  Used daily, they will help improve some of the redness due to rosacea.
• Sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: Elta sunscreens and Colorscience Mineral Foundation can help prevent further development of red blood vessels thereby improving the outcomes from laser surgery and topical treatments.