Rosacea in Houston, TX

The primary goals in the treatment of rosacea at Advanced Dermatology are to reduce both redness and inflammation, thereby not only alleviating the symptoms but also improving the appearance of the skin. Topical treatments may include use of a gentle cleanser, liberal use of sun protection, and a prescription topical antibiotic. Rosacea treatment often includes a combination of topical treatments, oral medications, and/or in-office laser or light therapy procedures. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or minocycline, have significant anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin at low dosages and can be very effective in reducing the appearance of redness, swelling, and pimples that accompany rosacea flares.

Rosacea can occur to almost anyone, but it's most common among middle-aged and older women with fair skin. This is a skin condition with no real cure, but it can be managed. If left untreated, it can worsen over time, causing symptoms to return and flare up for days or weeks. Our teams in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX can assess your skin for rosacea and develop a custom treatment plan to help keep the symptoms at bay and potential scarring to a minimum.

While the exact cause is unknown, rosacea can be caused by a combination of hereditary (it can run in your family) and environmental factors that trigger an inflammatory response in your skin. If you are acne-prone and/or of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry, you may have a higher risk. There are certain triggers that can aggravate rosacea by increasing the blood flow to the surface of the skin, such as:

• Consuming alcohol, spicy foods, or hot beverages
• Overexposing the skin to sunlight, extreme temperatures, hot baths, or showers
• Enduring stress
• Feeling embarrassment or anger
• Performing strenuous exercise that causes a rise in your temperature and a flush face
• Having a negative reaction to a medication

As with most chronic skin conditions, don't underestimate how much stress can significantly exacerbate the symptoms associated with rosacea.

Symptoms of rosacea can vary from mild to severe on your skin. The telltale sign of rosacea is facial redness — the central portion of the face is noticeably red from the swelling of the small blood vessels of the nose and cheeks. Other symptoms include red and swollen bumps on the face that look and feel similar to acne. Rosacea is usually confused with acne but doesn’t have the pore-clogging, increased oil production, and bacteria that comes with an acne outbreak. Sometimes the bumps are pus-filled. The skin can also feel hot and tender to the touch. Approximately half of rosacea sufferers have eye problems, such as eye irritation, dryness, and/or reddened, swollen eyelids. In rare cases, the nose may appear enlarged because rosacea can cause the skin around the nose to thicken, which results in a bulbous appearance.

Rosacea risk factors include a family history of the condition, fair skin, and a tendency to blush or flush easily. Environmental triggers such as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and wind can also exacerbate symptoms. Lifestyle factors like stress, spicy foods, hot beverages, and alcohol consumption may worsen rosacea. Additionally, women, particularly those in middle age, are more likely to develop rosacea than men. Understanding these risk factors can help manage and prevent flare-ups.

Though there is no cure for rosacea, there are a number of treatment options available, including antibiotics that help with inflammation. You can use oral medication or topical cream, lotion, or gel as prescribed. There are major anti-inflammatory benefits by using oral antibiotics, such as minocycline and doxycycline.

Rosacea treatment can include oral medications, topical treatments, and light therapy procedures used in combination. There is also the option to go with the Vbeam laser and intense pulsed light treatments available here at Advanced Dermatology. These are the most effective of our treatments in reducing symptoms and rosacea triggers. Periodic follow-up treatments will be necessary to eliminate newly formed blood vessels.

Can I prevent rosacea?

Though there is no surefire way to prevent rosacea, it’s important to identify and avoid common triggers. These include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, hot baths/showers, alcohol consumption, stress, and spicy foods. Our dermatologists can discuss your personal triggers during an appointment.

Is it safe to use makeup if I have rosacea?

Patients in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX should be mindful of the products they use on their skin, especially when dealing with rosacea. Makeup should be oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores. Look for products that are labeled “non-irritating” or “hypoallergenic."

Are there any natural remedies for rosacea?

There are a few natural treatments that may reduce the symptoms associated with rosacea. Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, and green tea can soothe redness and inflammation. However, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology before trying any treatments. We can help you determine if they are safe and effective for your skin type.

If you believe or suspect that you have rosacea, please call Advanced Dermatology to schedule a consultation. We can help you put your best face forward in our Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX practices. Furthermore, rosacea treatments can significantly minimize the symptoms that are associated with this skin condition, such as swelling, flushing, and itching.