What Causes Rosacea and How Can You Get Rid of It?

Dr. Zena Gabriel has extensive experience treating rosacea. This chronic skin condition is one of the most common rashes that dermatologists see. It is commonly misdiagnosed and treated incorrectly. Even with proper treatment, rosacea never truly goes away. Rosacea is a chronic condition that comes and goes, and we will work with you to keep symptoms at bay.

What Causes Rosacea?

Rosacea occurs on a spectrum from mild to severe. A mild case may look like a subtle flush on the cheeks, but a severe case can cause pustules and all-over redness. This condition affects the sebaceous glands and small blood vessels under the skin. Symptoms include:

Broken or expanded blood vessels, especially on the cheeks and nose
Pimples around the mouth and chin often mistaken for acne
Itchiness, sensitivity, and flakiness
Frequent reactions to new products

People with rosacea often experience problems with skin sensitivity. This is because rosacea is an inflammatory condition, and chronic inflammation leads to the breakdown of the stratum corneum, the skin’s protective outer layer. Dermatologists call this barrier dysfunction, meaning the skin can’t protect itself against irritants.

How Can You Get Rid of Rosacea?

Five major triggers can contribute to the severity of your rosacea. Avoiding them can make a big difference.

Sun exposure
Spicy foods
Wine
Caffeine
Stress

While treatment cannot cure your rosacea, Dr. Zena and her team can help you find ways to manage it, so it has less impact on your life. Dr. Zena will develop a treatment plan that will usually include several of these methods:

Sun Protection

If you have rosacea, you should be using sunscreen at all times. Sun exposure significantly worsens this condition. Other treatments are no substitute for consistent sun protection!

Topical Skin Care

Gentle, protective skincare products can help maintain and restore your skin’s natural barriers. Dr. Zena recommends a mild cleanser followed by a moisturizer containing ceramides and niacinamide. She will also help you identify and eliminate harsh products such as vitamin C, retinol, and acne treatments. A prescription cream may also be necessary. FDA-approved, dermatologist-prescribed treatments include topical azelaic acid, ivermectin, metronidazole, and potassium hydroxide.

Oral Prescriptions

An antibiotic like doxycycline can be necessary for your treatment. Instead of killing bacteria, it mediates inflammation to reduce your symptoms of rosacea. Less inflammation means less sensitivity and redness. A dermatologist can also prescribe low-dose Accutane, a medication that works on the sebaceous glands.

Laser Treatments: Vbeam®

The Vbeam® laser targets redness, visible blood vessels, and other symptoms of rosacea. The laser emits pulses of energy that close off blood vessels near the surface. This diminishes redness and stops inflammatory chemicals from reaching the skin.