Is That Red Irritation on Your Face Rosacea?

When you have red areas on your cheeks or face, it could be from various conditions. However, if the redness also affects your chest and back, you could have a rosacea condition.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that the Dermatology Center of Worcester can effectively treat. Dr. Camille Roberts is our dermatology specialist with years of experience treating skin conditions like rosacea.

Understanding rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting your face, back, chest, and ears.The causes of rosacea aren’t thoroughly understood, and currently, there's no cure. However, you can see a significant change in your symptoms with proper treatment from Dr. Roberts.

There are four main types of rosacea, which include:

Subtype 1

The first type is also called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Subtype 1 includes signs like facial redness, visible blood vessels, and flushing.

Subtype 2

This form of rosacea typically happens to women and is called papulopustular rosacea. You may have breakouts of acne on your face and skin.

Subtype 3

Subtype 3, or rhinophyma, is a less common form of rosacea that often affects men. The thickening of your nose skin characterizes it, and you often have another type of rosacea.

Subtype 4

Subtype 4 is known as ocular rosacea and affects the skin around your eyes.

Signs and symptoms of rosacea

One of the main signs of rosacea is a red rash on your face. But redness on your face may be due to other conditions as well.

It's crucial to understand the symptoms of rosacea so you can get treatment early on. Each subtype has different symptoms, some of which include:

• Flushing on your face
• Sensitive skin
• Broken blood vessels
• Rough, dry skin
• Acne-like lesions
• Large, visible pores
• Bumpy skin
• Swollen nose or thick skin on the forehead, chin, and cheeks

If you have ocular rosacea, you may show watery or bloodshot eyes. Your eyes might also be dry and itchy and sting or burn for no reason.

Any of the above symptoms could be signs of rosacea. If you have any of these signs and are concerned about your skin, Dr. Roberts can help.

Rosacea treatments

Unfortunately, rosacea is a chronic skin condition with no cure available. Dr. Roberts bases your treatment on preventing flare-ups and managing your symptoms.

Skin protection is one of the most important ways to protect your skin. Some rosacea flares happen from too much sun exposure. Dr. Roberts recommends wearing sunscreen with SPF if you're going to be outside.

Dr. Roberts helps you find gentle skin moisturizers that won't irritate your skin. She may also recommend topical or oral medications to help relieve rosacea symptoms.

You might need medicated eye drops to eliminate your dry, itchy eyes when you have ocular rosacea. Dr. Roberts also recommends using warm compresses to relieve any discomfort around your eyes.

She works with you closely to figure out what's causing your flare-ups to prevent further issues with your skin.

If you're concerned about rosacea, call our office in Worcester, Massachusetts, at 508-452-2702 for a consultation today or request an appointment with Dr. Roberts on our website.

We offer Full body skin checks and offer treatment for acne, acne scars, and more. Call us to book your appointment today.