Rosacea (pronounced “roe-ZAY-she-uh”) is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and inflammation of the face. It is most common in people of fair complexion and affects both men and women.

Rosacea may cause enlarged blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps. Some symptoms may flare for weeks to months and then go away for a while. It can be mistaken for acne, dermatitis or other skin problems.

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to an overactive immune system, heredity, environmental factors or a combination of these. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and it’s not contagious.

Because rosacea has so many signs and symptoms, scientists created 4 subtypes of rosacea. Some people have more than one rosacea subtype at the same time. Symptoms of rosacea can vary from person to person, but they often include:

  • Redness, flushing, or blushing
  • Small, pus-filled bumps (pustules)
  • Visible blood vessels (spider veins)
  • Swollen bumps (papules)
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Eye problems, such as dryness, redness, and irritation

To diagnose rosacea, Dr. Monique S. Cohn, DO FAOCD will examine your skin and your eyes and ask questions. Sometimes, another medical condition can look a lot like rosacea so it’s important to rule out these conditions.

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms. Treatment options could include:

  • Medicines: There are several types of oral and topical medicines to treat bumps, pimples and redness caused by rosacea. Medicines help you manage your symptoms and reduce the number of flares.
  • Laser treatment: Dr. Cohn may recommend using lasers or IPL to remove visible blood vessels and limit the amount of redness on your skin.
  • Phototherapy: Dr. Cohn may recommend Photorejuvenation treatment which works with your skin to remove your imperfections and stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production over a sequence of treatments.
  • Lifestyle changes: Dr. Cohn will recommend keeping a diary of daily activities or events and relate them to any rosacea flare-ups experienced. Common triggers for rosacea include becoming overheated, having cold wind blowing on your face, and eating spicy foods. These may — or may not — cause your rosacea to flare. People have different triggers.

If you think you may have rosacea, it is important to schedule an appointment online at Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center or by calling 330-425-7600 for diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment, most people with rosacea can manage their symptoms and have a normal life.