Rosacea Awareness Month
This month we recognize a widespread disease that is highly visible, but also misunderstood by most…
…Rosacea.
April is Rosacea Awareness Month and the NRS (National Rosacea Society) estimates that over 16 million people suffer from this painful and unsightly disease. More than just facial inflammation, rosacea affects victims in many ways.
It is reported that nearly 90% of Rosacea patients feel their self-esteem is affected by flare-ups and breakouts. This disease takes a physical and psychological toll from it’s sufferers across the world. In April, our mission is to spread more information about this disease including what causes it, and what treatments are available.
What Causes Rosacea?
While doctors aren’t sure what the precise cause of rosacea is, we do know that usually flare-ups are caused by certain triggers.
- Certain food and drinks like spicy foods and alcohol are known to regularly cause flare ups.
- Extreme weather conditions in which one’s face is exposed to the elements are also capable of triggering rosacea outbreaks.
- Perhaps two of the most frustrating triggers are age and stress. Rosacea is most common in people age 30 and over. As age and stress begin to increase, so does the chance of experiencing a flare-up.
Unfortunately, no matter the trigger, there is no way to predict the severity of the flare-up. Some sufferers only deal with mild redness and discomfort, while others may experience extreme acne, skin thickening, and even eye irritation.
Rosacea Treatments
While there is currently no way to cure or prevent Rosacea, there are several forms of medical therapy that are used to ease discomfort and reduce appearance of symptoms. The right treatment largely depends on which symptoms one is suffering from. Rosacea shows itself in different ways, therefore treatments will vary from person to person.
Skin Thickening: For patients who suffer from skin thickening, especially around the nose, you may find relief by seeking ablation and microdermabrasion treatments. If you didn’t know, we’re running a special ($80 microdermabrasions) [link to booking page] in honor of Rosacea Awareness Month. By using advanced technology doctors may be able to decrease visibility and discoloration by removing dead skin on the microscopic level.
Inflammation and Redness: There are a number of medications available that may help those who are suffering from acne and flushed cheeks. To reduce redness many sufferers use brimonidine, a topical gel that fights redness by constricting blood vessels. Another source of relief may be oral antibiotics. They help fight inflammation by reducing bacteria.
Redness: Light to moderate redness in the face can be remedied with laser and ipl therapy. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a broad spectrum of light to penetrate the skin. This allows the body to natural dispose of damaged skin cells. Click here to learn more about IPL technology.
How You Can Help?
You can directly help by going to Rosacea.org and donating to the National Rosacea Society. The NRS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness and funding medical research for the treatment and prevention of Rosacea.
If you or a loved one are suffering from Rosacea flare-ups, Houston Skin Associates can help.
Click Here to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. They will assess the severity of your symptoms and walk you through the treatment options that are available to you.
