Rosacea
Medical Dermatology & Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Fenton, Chesterfield and O'Fallon, MO
Severe reddening on your face that doesn’t go away could be due to rosacea. If your skin is constantly red and it’s affecting your self-esteem, visit one of Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center’s offices in Fenton, Chesterfield, or O’Fallon, Missouri. The experienced dermatologists offer effective therapies for rosacea, including medications and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. For the effective reduction of rosacea symptoms, call your nearest Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center office today or book an appointment online.
Rosacea is a long-term condition that causes reddened, sometimes inflamed skin, most commonly on the face. Rosacea can also develop on your neck, chest, and elsewhere, but the cheeks and nose are likely to be worse.
You might first notice the condition as a tendency to flush or blush more readily than other people. That might develop over time until your skin stays constantly red. There are four rosacea subtypes, whose symptoms can vary. Depending on the kind of rosacea you have, you might experience problems like:
The rosacea sub-type that affects your eyes can cause stinging, burning, blurred vision, and itching.
Rosacea sometimes resembles other skin conditions like eczema and acne. The Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center team can identify the cause of your symptoms to ensure you get the proper treatment.
It’s not known why some people develop rosacea. Possibilities include an overactive immune system, genetic tendencies, environmental factors, or some combination. Rosacea isn’t contagious, and it’s not a result of poor hygiene.
Many people find their symptoms worsen in response to triggers. Common rosacea triggers include:
You can control your rosacea symptoms to a degree if you identify and avoid your triggers. However, that won’t completely clear the redness.
The Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center team provides several treatments that minimize redness and other rosacea symptoms, including:
IPL is a bright, scattered light source that reduces the redness of your skin. IPL also treats spider veins, which often affect people with rosacea.
Medicated creams containing drugs like brimonidine and oxymetazoline are effective for reducing rosacea inflammation. Other creams like azelaic acid, metronidazole, and ivermectin can help control pimples if you have mild rosacea. It could take up to six weeks before you see significant results — maybe more with ivermectin, but the effects last longer.
To find out more about effective ways of reducing rosacea symptoms, call Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center today or book an appointment online.