National Rosacea Month

by | Apr 25, 2019 | Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, Q&A

 

 

 

Why is my face Red?

Rosacea common symptoms:

  1. Face flushes
  2. Intermittent break-outs
  3. Commonly on the face, but can involve the chest, neck, shoulders, and upper back.
  4. Sometimes Rosacea can involve the eyes it is called Ocular Rosacea. Signs are: inflammation of the eyelids, bloodshot, dry eyes, burning, stinging, itching, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

The cause of Rosacea is unknown, and it is not curable. Rosacea is diagnosed by signs and symptoms that can be controlled with medications and by avoiding trigger factors.

Common Rosacea triggers and lifestyle changes:

  1. Sun exposure: Sun exposure is implicated in the background redness of rosacea. Decrease the risk factor by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher every day. Dr. Armstrong’s recommendation is Neova Silk Shear with DNA repair enzymes and Epionce a Daily Shield. Stay out of the peak sun midda and wear a hat.
  2. Stress: Emotional Stress can absolutely worsen  rosacea. Exercise and sleep can help reduce stress and improve skin.
  3. Overheating: Heat is another trigger for rosacea. Avoid hot weather, hot steam, saunas,  and  long hot showers.
  4. Alcohol:  It’s best to avoid alcohol and particularly red wine. Sorry guy… We are just the messengers.
  5. Spicy or citrusy foods:  If they cause a flare-up for you, avoid them.
  6. Skin and hair care products that irritate the skin. Rosacea prone skin is typically very sensitive because the skin barrier is compromised in rosacea.
  7. Ironically Medications used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, migraines can trigger rosacea.
  8. Hot beverages, research implicates the heat of coffee, not the coffee itself. In fact some papers have shown that caffeine intake can help rosacea. I suggest  switching to iced coffee or iced green tea.

Medical Treatments for Rosacea:

Because there are multiple subtypes of rosacea, you must be diagnosed by a physician to have an custom treatment plan for you.

Recommendations from Dr. Armstrong’s and Dr. Aguirre Skincare for Rosacea:

  1. Clean: Epionce Gentle cleanser or Neova Gentle Cleanser.
  2. Moisture: Sente Dermal repair moisturizer for dryer skin and ATP reset for oiler skin- helps repair the skin barrier.
  3. Protect: Neova Silk Sheet with DNA Repair, Neova Everyday Suncreen, or Epionce Daily Shield.
  4. Treat: Topical medications applied to the skin can reduce inflammation. Commonly prescribed medications include Levycin, metronidazole, soolantra and azelaic acid with niacinamide. In some cases, a combination of topical and oral medications may be used
  5. Lasers: Laser therapy like the V Beam can treat blood vessels  reduce redness.

Much Love,  Dr. Armstrong