Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that occurs in about 14 million Americans characterized by flushing, redness, enlarged blood vessels and small pus bumps on the face. This is one of the most common medical dermatology conditions that Dr. Byrne, Dr. Downing, and Dr. Gordon treat, and they’re here to help if you or a loved one starts to experience some of the symptoms associated with rosacea. Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, Dr. Byrne, Dr. Downing, or Dr. Gordon will work closely with you to pinpoint what may be triggering your rosacea. Common triggers include sun exposure, hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, hormonal changes, exercise, and certain skin products. Identifying your personal triggers is a crucial first step in managing your rosacea.
Types of Rosacea
There are four types of rosacea: ocular rosacea, phymatous rosacea, papulopustular rosacea, and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is defined by intense flushing and redness as well as broken blood vessels on the face. The word “erythema” signifies redness, and the word “telangiectasia” signifies broken blood vessels. This is the most common type of rosacea and, without treatment, can reoccur frequently. So, it is important to be proactive with treatment!
Ocular rosacea is rosacea that affects the eyes. Patients with this type of rosacea may have redness and irritation around their eyes. They may also experience watery eyes, burning eyes, and blurry vision. Ocular rosacea is the most misdiagnosed form of rosacea, so it is important to come in so that Dr. Byrne, Dr. Downing, or Dr. Gordon can help you avoid any subsequent problems with vision.
Papulopustular rosacea is defined by large, painful spots deep in the skin and is sometimes called acne rosacea. Typically, these spots remain around the nose but can also spread to other areas of the body. Papulopustular rosacea may cause extremely oily and extremely dry patches of skin that can turn into painful plaques if not treated.
Phymatous rosacea is defined by thick, scaly, and discolored areas of skin. Phymatous rosacea typically occurs on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. This type of rosacea can be painful and can even develop into other skin conditions as the skin continues to become large, bumpy, and thick.
Luckily, if you’re dealing with rosacea, there are multiple treatment options for rosacea! Dr. Byrne, Dr. Downing, or Dr. Gordon may recommend topical treatments containing azelaic acid, ivermectin, and/or metronidazole to reduce redness, swelling, and pimples that come with rosacea. These can be prescribed separately or can be compounded into a single cream. Another option is doxycycline, which is an antibiotic that targets the bacteria that contribute to rosacea. These bacteria can stay within the skin and trigger your rosacea, which is why an antibiotic can be an effective treatment. Additionally, lasers such as IPL (intense pulsed light) can help rosacea. The laser attacks the redness of the face by shrinking surface-level blood vessels.
The key is to find a treatment plan that works for you. Board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Byrne, Dr. Downing, and Dr. Gordon are dedicated to you and will help tailor a personalized plan to fit your specific needs. If you’re noticing symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out. At Houston Dermatology Specialists, we’re here to help you achieve clear, healthy, and radiant skin!
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to explore your rosacea treatment options, we invite you to the next step by requesting a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists or by calling us at (713) 487-8233.
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