What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that is often under recognized.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause is not known but Rosacea is an autoimmune disease that runs in families.

Who is at risk for rosacea?

Although rosacea affects all skin types, it is more apparent in people with lighter skin tones between the ages of 30 and 50.

What are the symptoms?

Rosacea produces overall redness on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin and can spread to the ears, chest, and back. Redness on the face can become permanent.

Symptoms include:

• Redness and visible blood vessels
• Pimples or small bumps on the face that look like an acne breakout
• Eyes that are watery or irritated, sensitivity to light, burn and itch
• Swollen, red eyelids
• Thickened and bumpy skin on the nose

The symptoms of rosacea can flare for weeks or months at a time before diminishing. There are triggers that can exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea by increasing the blood flow to the surface of the skin. Triggers may include:

• Sun exposure
• Hot foods or drinks
• Spicy foods
• Exposure to sun
• Alcohol
• Extreme temperatures
• Stress, anger, or embarrassment
• Intense physical exercise

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Dr. Kandula will examine your skin and eyes, and order tests to rule out other conditions like Lupus and allergic reactions that look like rosacea. From this information, a detailed plan will be created to address your own specific needs. Importantly, Dr. Kandula will help you identify triggers that cause your rosacea to flare up, so that you can learn to avoid these triggers.

Rosacea Treatment

While the cause it is not completely understood and the disease is not curable, it can be treated. Treatment is geared to reducing or eliminating signs and symptoms, preventing flare ups, and preventing worsening of the condition.

For most patients, treatment involves a combination of topical and oral medications. Lasers and light-based treatments can be effective. If you have ocular rosacea, your treatment plan will include warm compresses, eyelid cleansing and eye drops or eye medications.

All Rosacea patients should understand that UV light exposure is a risk factor for all types of Rosacea, and causes redness, so sun protection is essential. Also, some skin care products and habits can trigger a flare up.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kandula to receive the correct diagnosis and treatments, and to learn more about controlling your symptoms. Left untreated rosacea symptoms can become increasingly severe.