Is Rosacea a Lifelong Problem?

A chronic skin condition, rosacea is a long-term problem. Symptoms include facial redness, bumps, visible blood vessels, and swelling. About half of people with rosacea also develop eye problems.

It’s more common in women than men, although men tend to get more severe symptoms. Rosacea can affect people of any age but usually develops in middle age. There’s no cure for rosacea, but there are many ways to manage it and reduce symptoms. 

At Los Gatos Dermatology in Los Gatos, California, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Bruce Saal and our medical team have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of rosacea. 

Here we share what you need to know about this common and problematic skin condition.

What causes rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, although it tends to run in families, so there’s probably a genetic component. While it’s not harmful, it can affect your self-esteem. The symptoms are unsightly and tend to get worse the longer you have the condition. 

It does tend to affect people with fair skin who blush easily. Symptoms usually come on suddenly and fade over time. They can last a few days to a few weeks. 

But medical experts do know that certain things can trigger a rosacea flare-up. If you note when you experience rosacea symptoms and what events precipitated it, you can minimize your flare-ups by avoiding your triggers. Some common triggers include:

• Hot foods and beverages
• Sun exposure 
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol 
• Exercise
• Hot baths
• Stress

Famous people have rosacea, too

Money and fame can’t make you immune to rosacea, or acne or other skin conditions for that matter. Some celebrities who have had this condition include:

• President Bill Clinton
• Princess Diana
• Prince William
• Actress Renee Zellweger
• Actress Sofia Vergara
• Actress Brie Larson
• Actress and film producer Naomi Watts

One symptom that men tend to get that women do not is a large, bulbous nose. The late comic actor W.C. Fields was known for that facial feature. 

Rosacea treatment options

At Los Gatos Dermatology, we can effectively treat rosacea so that your symptoms are minimal. Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms. 

For starters, you should wear sunscreen daily, use gentle cleansers, and avoid extreme temperatures when possible. If you can’t avoid cold or heat, protect yourself with scarves and hats in winter and a sunhat in the sun.

Other treatment options we may recommend include:

• Topical prescription medication
• Oral prescription medication such as antibiotics
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy

During a flare-up, you can always mask symptoms with makeup to minimize the redness. And  avoid your triggers to help prevent a rosacea flare-up.

Do you think you have rosacea? Call us at Los Gatos Dermatology for an appointment with Dr. Saal for expert advice and an effective treatment plan.