Do you think you may have rosacea? A common, chronic skin condition, rosacea affects more than 14 million Americans. Still, many people are reluctant to ask their doctor about it, because of nervousness or embarrassment. Here, we answer some common questions, to help you understand rosacea a little better.
- What is rosacea? Rosacea is a condition that causes the look of blushing, along with bumps that look something like acne. The main indication of rosacea is redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, and less commonly on the neck, head, ears, or chest.
- Did I catch rosacea, and can I spread it? There’s no evidence that rosacea is contagious, and you can’t give someone rosacea by sharing cosmetics or touching them.
- Is rosacea genetic? There is some evidence to suggest that rosacea may be inherited, but not all children of people with rosacea develop this condition. What’s more, environmental factors seem to play a role as well.
- Can rosacea be cured? There is not currently a cure for rosacea, but it can be managed. Talk to a dermatologist, who can help you determine which treatments are right for you. Sometimes lifestyle changes help, and there are medicated creams, lotions, gels, and other topical treatments available. Your doctor might also prescribe oral antibiotics, beta-blockers, or other medication, or offer laser or light therapy.
- Is my rosacea going to get worse? It’s hard to say how rosacea will progress, but the symptoms are likely to change over time. Sometimes, people start out with flushing and redness, then develop papules or pustules. For other people, treatment can cause rosacea to go into remission for a while, and then resurface. If your symptoms change, talk to your dermatologist, because it might be time to change the way you’re treating your rosacea.
- What can I do about the physical symptoms I’m experiencing? Following a prescribed treatment plan can help, and you can also reduce the appearance of rosacea using makeup. Be sure to use makeup products for sensitive skin, discontinuing them if your rosacea seems to be getting worse. Apply oil-free makeup with antibacterial brushes, cleaning them between uses, and wash your hands and face with a gentle cleanser. Moisturizer may help, and you might consider using a green-tinted primer, perhaps with UVA/UVB protection. If you shave your face, use an electric razor.
- Is it normal to be experiencing strong emotions over rosacea? It’s perfectly normal, and understandable. Some people with rosacea find it helpful to seek therapy or join a rosacea support group.
If you think you may have rosacea, trust Arlington Dermatology to answer your questions and help you care for your skin. For over 40 years, our Board-Certified dermatologists have been serving patients, making the health and welfare of our patients our top priority. We offer innovative methods of treatment, using technologically-advanced equipment, in our conveniently located, patient-friendly facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. For more information, contact us through our website or call 847-392-5440.