April-Rosacea Awareness Month

Rosacea: Redness, bumps, pimples, stinging and dry skin can all be signs that you have rosacea. The diagnosis made by a dermatologist is important as rosacea can present in different ways and can progress to where the nose enlarges in size from excess tissue and broken blood vessels and capillaries will be seen in addition to the skin being overly sensitive. In some cases the eyes are also involved where the eyes are irritated, appear watery or bloodshot.

Diagnostic Signs of Rosacea
The presence of either of these signs is diagnostic of rosacea.
Persistent Redness
Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
Skin Thickening
The skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose.
This condition is less common, but can lead to facial disfigurement and inadequate nasal airflow if severe.

Major Signs of Rosacea
The presence of at least two of these signs is diagnostic of rosacea.
Flushing
Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning comes and goes, and is often an early feature of the disorder.
Bumps and Pimples
Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.
Visible Blood Vessels
In many people with rosacea, prominent and visible small blood vessels called telangiectasia become on the cheeks, nasal bridge, and other areas of the central face.
Eye Irritation
In many rosacea patients, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot, a condition commonly known as ocular rosacea. The eyelids also may become red and swollen, and styles are common. Crusts and scale may accumulate around the eyelids or eyelashes, and patients may notice visible blood vessels around the lid margins. Severe cases can result in corneal damage and loss of visual acuity without medical help.**

According to the National Rosacea Society there are approximately 16 million Americans affected by Rosacea. There is no cure for this condition but advances in medical therapies are making the possibility of having clear skin a reality for many patients. Rosacea can respond to the first product prescribed to you or it may take trying 3-4 different medications in addition to Intense Pulse Light (IPL). Knowing that the sun, eating spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, sulfites from red wine and hot water temperatures can exacerbate the condition can help you lessen the symptoms in addition to using the medical grade products.

Here at Redefine Beauty Aesthetics we use medical grade products, medical grade facials, and IPL to help patients look and feel their best in controlling their Rosacea.–

IPL Before and After

**Source: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/all-about-rosacea