Dr. Jane Yoo explains rosacea, a chronic condition causing facial redness and visible blood vessels that typically starts in the 30s. Common triggers include sun, stress, spicy foods, and heat. Treatment options range from daily sunscreen and topical creams to oral antibiotics and laser therapy, though there's no cure.
I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Let's talk about rosacea, a skin condition that shows up as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Sometimes it's accompanied by bumps that look like acne, but rosacea is a different condition entirely. Rosacea can affect anyone, but it's more common in people with fair skin and usually shows up in your 30s or later. What makes it tricky is that rosacea can present in different ways for different people. Some may notice just persistent redness and visible blood vessels, while others develop acne-like bumps. In more advanced cases, the skin can become thickened, especially around the nose, and you may experience eye irritation, leading to redness and swelling around the eyes. So what sets off rosacea? Well, it varies from person to person, but common triggers include sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, hot drinks, and even extreme temperatures. Something as simple as stepping out on a hot day or sipping a hot drink can cause your skin to flare up. Managing rosacea begins with knowing and avoiding your triggers. Protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially important, as sun exposure is a major trigger for many. There are also treatments available, including topical creams, oral medications, and laser therapy, which can help reduce redness and inflammation during flare-ups. While rosacea doesn't have a cure, with the right treatment plan, it can be managed effectively, helping to keep flare-ups under control.
