Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood condition that is estimated to affect more than 45 million people worldwide. Bill Clinton and Princess Diana have been among the sufferers of this chronic (life-long) disease. People in their 30s to 50s are most likely to first see signs of rosacea. Women are more likely to get rosacea, but it affects men more severely. It affects fair-skinned people of mostly north-western European descent and has been nicknamed the ‘curse of the Celts’ by some in Ireland.

Perioral dermatitis is a variant of rosacea that causes a rash of red bumps to develop around the mouth and is most often seen in young women. Unlike rosacea, however, perioral dermatitis can be cured.

Symptoms

The non-contagious disorder often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people, particularly on the central face and across the cheeks, nose or forehead. It can also affect the neck and chest. The redness slowly spreads beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin.

As rosacea progresses, other symptoms can develop such as semi-permanent erythema, telangiectasia (dilation of superficial blood vessels on the face), red domed papules (small bumps) and pustules, red gritty eyes, burning and stinging sensations, and in some advanced cases, a red lobulated nose (rhinophyma). The disorder can be confused and co-exist with acne vulgaris and/or seborrheic dermatitis.

Since rosacea appears on a person’s face, it is readily noticed and can sometimes be mistaken for a sign of a drinking problem. Sufferers have expressed having difficulty at work, in their marriage, or an unwillingness to date or meet new people. These experiences may lead to embarrassment and worry, a low self-image, anxiety or depression.

Rosacea is a disease that can get worse over time and may even cause disfigurement. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, you can control symptoms and stop the progression of the disease.

Scientists have identified four major subtypes from among the many different signs and symptoms of rosacea. Each subtype requires different treatment, and you may have more than one of these subtypes of rosacea at one time.

What Causes It?

While there is no clinically proven cause or spectrum of causes for rosacea, consuming certain foods and liquids may cause the unwanted symptoms. Exposure to extreme hot or cold or stress may also trigger rosacea symptoms. Doctors suspect rosacea may be the result of a vascular disorder or a microscopic mite known as demodex folliculorum commonly found in the skin. Certain bacteria may also increase gastrin levels which may stimulate skin flushing. Family history may also play a role.

Many everyday things can cause rosacea to flare, including sunlight, stress, spicy foods, hot-water bathing or showering. What causes rosacea to flare for you may not trigger a flare-up for another person.

Treatment Options

Studies show that effective treatment for rosacea not only reduces the physical signs and symptoms of the disease but improves your overall quality of life. If allowed to worsen over a long period, the symptoms of rosacea become more difficult to treat.

Riverchase dermatologists are trained in proven, cutting-edge procedures to help you feel and look your best. For a rosacea diagnosis, your Riverchase dermatologist examines the skin and eyes and asks questions about your signs and symptoms. Your treatment plan is based on the rosacea subtype, severity, skin type, past treatment success and your preferences.

Your dermatologist will recommend a skincare plan that is customized to help you achieve the best results, but you must follow the plan in order for it to be effective. Skin care plays an important role in keeping rosacea under control, so avoid harsh skin care regimes that can make rosacea worse. Wearing sunscreen every day can help protect against new breakouts.

Often, a combination of treatments may produce optimal results. Common treatments for the skin include topical creams or lotions, sunscreen, emollients to repair the skin, laser and other light treatments and antibiotics.

Thickening skin that appears on the nose and other parts of the face can be removed by a dermatologist with lasers, dermabrasion, electrodesiccation, or prescription eye medication (for ocular rosacea).

Locations with this service

Zephyrhills 
38162 Medical Center Ave
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
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Weston 
2625 Executive Park Dr, Suite 7
Weston, FL 33331
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Venice Health Park 
1295 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
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Tampa Palms 
15310 Amberly Dr, Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33647
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Sun City Center 
1007 E Del Webb Blvd, Suite 101
Sun City Center, FL 33573
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Pembroke Pines 
603 N Flamingo Rd, Suite 350
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
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Parrish 
9015 US Highway 301 N
Parrish, FL 34219
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North Port – Commons 
14840 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
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North Port – Bobcat Village 
2481 Bobcat Village Center Rd, Suite 101
North Port, FL 34288
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Naples – North 
1015 Crosspointe Dr.
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Downtown 
261 9th St S
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Colonial Square 
1108 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Central 
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34109
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Miami
Formerly Bowes Dermatology
Mercy Professional Building Suite 6008
 
3659 S Miami Ave, Suite 6008
Miami, FL 33133
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Lakewood Ranch 
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 260
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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Fort Myers – West 
9400 Gladiolus Dr, Suite 320
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – South 
7331 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – The Forum 
3268 Forum Blvd, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33905
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Estero 
19527 Highland Oaks Dr, Suite 201
Estero, FL 33928
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Englewood 
406 N Indiana Ave
Englewood, FL 34223
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Deerfield Beach 
1880 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite A
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
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Clearwater 
1122 Druid Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Cape Coral – Surfside 
2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111
Cape Coral, FL 33991
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Cape Coral 
413 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 101
Cape Coral, FL 33990
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Bonita Springs 
25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 90
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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Boca Raton – East 
200 Glades Road, Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33432
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Bay Harbor Islands 
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite 100
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
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