Rosacea
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. According to the National Rosacea Association, nearly 16 million Americans suffer from Rosacea. What starts as an occasional flushing of the face can lead to a permanent redness in the center of your face, visible blood vessels, acne-like breakouts, swelling, and thickening of the skin around the nose. People suffering from rosacea may also experience feelings of frustration, embarrassment, lack of confidence and poor self-esteem as a result of their skin’s appearance.
What Causes Rosacea?
Dr. Wirth has evaluated and treated many rosacea patients with success and understands how devastating the disease can be if left untreated. Although there is no precise cause of Rosacea, there are known trigger symptoms, including:
- Stress
- Exercise
- Sunlight
- Warm baths
- Cold weather
- Spicy food
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
Just as symptoms may vary from one individual to another, so can trigger agents. Keeping a daily log may help you better identify your rosacea triggers.
Treating Rosacea
An essential component of treating rosacea is knowing, and avoiding, the triggers that cause your symptoms. Rosacea flare-ups come and go and may last for weeks to several months. The severity of symptoms may differ with each occurrence. Fluctuations in hormones, genetics, and overactive oil glands play a vital role in the disease’s inflammatory process.
Even though there is no cure for rosacea, there are effective treatment plans that can relieve and diminish symptoms while improving the health of your skin. Proper evaluation by a trained physician can lead to correct diagnosis and establishment of the ideal treatment plan for you. Treatment plans are based on the severity of your illness.
Mild cases can be treated with a topical cream to control redness, and a daily skin regimen will control oil production, strengthen and maintain healthy skin. Moderate to severe cases can be treated with oral medications, retinol products, peels and laser treatments.
Don’t Camouflage Your Skin with Makeup!
Dr. Wirth recommends that you don’t use over-the-counter acne products because they may make things worse. The only way to effectively deal with this chronic disease is to make a doctor’s appointment with a trained medical provider who is experienced in treating rosacea.
Dr. Wirth is experienced in treating patients with rosacea. He can offer a variety of treatment modalities based on the condition of your skin. He will then customize an individualized treatment plan that will restore the health of your skin. These treatment plans may involve prescription products, external treatments (such as light-based therapy), skin care products, or, most likely, a combination of these. So, if you suspect that you may have rosacea, don’t ignore your symptoms and hope they go away. Instead, make an appointment for a skin consult with Dr. Wirth, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a passion for skin health. Treatment will often improve a person’s emotional health and give back the confidence and self-esteem that was lost as a result of having rosacea.
To get your skin evaluation, schedule your consultation now with Dr. Garrett Wirth at (949) 238-6713, or fill out a complimentary case consultation form here.
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