Do you notice persistent redness on your face? Maybe the redness is accompanied with some red bumps? If this condition flares up every once in a while, you might be dealing with rosacea. Rosacea can often be mistaken for acne, especially if there are bumps or pustules on the face. To find out if you might suffer from rosacea and learn more about your treatment options, keep reading.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

There is no known cause for rosacea. Most likely, the condition is caused by genetics and potentially environmental factors. Rosacea differs from acne because it’s not related to a buildup of bacteria and dirt under the skin. Acne is not always caused by poor hygiene, of course, but there is more of a connection. Instead, rosacea typically can develop intermittently due to exposure to certain triggers.

These triggers include eating spicy food, alcohol, exercise, sun exposure, and makeup products that exacerbate the condition. Since rosacea generally affects the area around the nose and cheeks, products like foundation, concealer, and blush can trigger a flare-up. Not everyone who struggles with rosacea reacts to these products, but it’s something to keep in mind when shopping for cosmetics. 

Since rosacea is thought to develop because of genetics, family history of the condition makes it more likely you will have it. Rosacea affects people with lighter skin, especially if you have lots of direct sun exposure.  

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Depending on your preferences, there are several methods of treatment for rosacea. There is no known cure for rosacea, but treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms. 

A simple place to start is making some different lifestyle and food choices. If certain foods, like spicy and hot meals, can be triggering for some. Eliminating potential culprits is a good first step. If that doesn’t alleviate the symptoms, you can pursue other methods. These include prescription creams or even antibiotic ointments. Much of these treatment options involve trial and error to figure out which works best for you.

For a longer-lasting alternative, consider laser treatment. Laser treatments work by addressing the effects of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels. Severe cases of rosacea can result in the thickening of the skin around the cheeks and nose, and laser treatments can reduce these symptoms as well. If you have tried the other options mentioned in this article and still haven’t seen improvement in your rosacea symptoms, it might be time to look into the difference that laser treatments can make.

Ascent Laser Aesthetics provides state-of-the-art services to make and keep your skin glowing, youthful, and healthy.  To learn more about laser solutions available for rosacea or other skin conditions, visit our spa or call us at (413) 224-2658.