If you were recently diagnosed with rosacea, you might not know what to do next. These tips can help you manage your skin condition, relieve discomfort, and treat flare-ups.
- Recognize that rosacea is common. Rosacea is one of the most common skin conditions dermatologists treat. Rosacea is characterized by redness, flushing, acne, and swelling of the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. Small blood vessels also become visible in the affected area.
- Know that rosacea can affect your eyes. Keep a lookout for signs of eye irritation. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dermatologist or eye doctor right away. More than half of rosacea patients develop eye problems, but timely treatment can prevent any issues with your vision.
- Learn what causes flare-ups. Common rosacea triggers include becoming overheated, feeling stressed, drinking alcohol, eating spicy food, and being outside in sunny, windy, or cold weather. Pay attention to your personal triggers so you can avoid them.
- Keep calm when flare-ups occur. Despite your best efforts, flare-ups may still happen unexpectedly. Don’t get discouraged! The best thing you can do is remain calm, so stress doesn’t add to the problem. Then, follow your dermatologist’s rosacea treatment advice.
- Be gentle with your skin. Avoid touching your face throughout the day. Then, when you wash your face, use mild cleansers designed for sensitive skin. Pat—never rub—your skin dry, and use an all-natural, fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Select makeup carefully. You can reduce the appearance of rosacea by wearing makeup, but choose your products wisely. Oil-free makeup is a must, and it’s best to apply products with antibacterial brushes cleaned between uses. Moisturize your skin before applying makeup to prevent dryness, and use a green-tinted primer to hide the redness in your cheeks.
- Take sun protection seriously. Even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause your rosacea to flare up. Find a super gentle sunscreen you can apply under your makeup. There are even green-tinted primers with broad-spectrum protection, providing two benefits in one. In addition to wearing sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure by wearing a hat and seeking shade whenever possible.
- Treat rosacea with help from a board-certified dermatologist. There currently is no cure for rosacea, but teaming up with a dermatologist is the best way to find treatments that work for you. Professional care can help prevent and treat flare-ups and stop your condition from worsening. If you think of any questions in your day-to-day life, be sure to jot them down so you can ask your dermatologist at your next appointment.
At Arlington Dermatology, we treat rosacea and other chronic skin conditions with the intent to ease your symptoms and make you feel more confident about your skin. We have proudly served the Rolling Meadows area for over 40 years, providing cutting-edge treatments to promote the welfare of our patients. For more information about managing rosacea, please call us at 847-392-5440 or set an appointment online to meet with an experienced dermatologist.