Rosacea

Rosacea Q&A

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and bumps across your nose, forehead, and cheeks. The symptoms occur in cycles that can last for weeks or months at a time before they subside for some time. 

Rosacea has no known cause and currently has no cure. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t minimize your symptoms and relieve some of the irritation and redness it causes. The Dermatology of Glens Falls team can examine your skin, determine the type of rosacea you have, and help you manage your symptoms in the long term. 

Which type of rosacea do I have based on my symptoms?

There are four main types of rosacea, each with a slightly different set of symptoms and characteristics. The symptoms reach beyond the general redness that most people recognize as rosacea. 

Based on your symptoms, your provider can tell you if you have:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR)

If you have ETR, you likely notice small blood vessels on your skin’s surface among the facial redness and flushing that flares up intermittently.  

Papulopustular rosacea

A papulopustular rosacea flare-up looks similar to a swollen acne breakout. Unlike acne, papulopustular rosacea is most common among middle-aged women. 

Phymatous rosacea

Phymatous rosacea is more common in men than women. It causes the skin on your nose to thicken and become bumpy over time. 

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and surrounding areas. If you have it, you might experience persistent eye redness, dryness, and light sensitivity, as well as redness and swelling in the eyelids. 

How can I minimize redness from rosacea?

Minimizing rosacea redness can help improve your self-esteem and confidence despite rosacea’s current lack of a cure. To minimize your redness, your Dermatology of Glens Falls provider can recommend products that don’t contain irritating ingredients.

Additionally, your provider might recommend:

• Wearing sunscreen daily
• Lasers or light therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Minimizing alcohol consumption
• Using oral or topical antibiotics

Over time, it becomes increasingly easy to identify triggers that set off or aggravate your rosacea, like cold temperatures or spicy foods. Your provider can assist you with identifying these triggers and consider them when creating your individualized treatment plan.

Any form of rosacea can impact your self-image and can be difficult to manage without professional care. To learn more about rosacea and explore ways to reduce your symptoms, call Dermatology of Glens Falls today or book an appointment online at your convenience.