Rosacea, a skin condition that causes the skin to appear red and inflamed, is typically presented around the nose and cheeks. It can often be mistaken for other skin conditions but can be treated and managed if diagnosed properly. Summerlin Dermatology in Las Vegas, NV uses several advanced solutions, including laser therapy, to lighten the skin and reduce the symptoms of this chronic disease. Rosacea can occur to almost anyone, but it's most common among middle-aged to older women with fair skin. This is a skin condition with no real cure, but it can be managed. If left untreated, it can worsen and harden the skin over time, causing symptoms to return and flare up for days or weeks. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Reuel Aspacio, will assess your skin for rosacea and develop a custom treatment plan to help keep the symptoms at a minimum.

While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, Dr. Aspacio believes that it's caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. People of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry seem to have a higher incidence of rosacea. Patients usually have other family members who suffer from either rosacea or severe acne. People who are prone to have bad acne have a higher risk of developing rosacea. Scientists believe that immune system overreactions can cause rosacea, especially when the immune system overreacts to a certain bacterium or a mite. These theories, however, haven't been completely validated.

There are a large number of factors that can aggravate rosacea since they increase the blood flow to the surface of the skin. These can include alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, sunlight, extreme temperatures, hot baths or showers, stress, embarrassment or anger, strenuous exercise, and certain medications.

Symptoms of rosacea can vary from mild to severe. The tell-tale sign of rosacea is facial redness. In most patients, the central portion of the face is noticeably red. The small blood vessels of the nose and cheeks can swell and become visible. Other symptoms include red and swollen bumps on the face that look similar to acne. Sometimes the bumps are pus-filled. The skin can also feel hot and tender to the touch. Approximately half of rosacea sufferers have eye problems, such as eye irritation, dryness, and reddened, swollen eyelids. In rare cases, a patient's nose will appear enlarged because rosacea can cause the skin around the nose to thicken, which results in a bulbous appearance.

Though there is no cure for rosacea, there are a number of treatment options available, including antibiotics that help with inflammation. You can use the medication in a pill form or as a cream, lotion, or gel. Pills tend to be more effective in the short-term but can trigger more side effects. If antibiotics aren't effective, acne drugs such as isotretinoin have proven to work for some patients. Surgery might be required in cases where the symptoms become permanent, such as enlarged blood vessels or redness that won't go away with other treatments. Laser surgery or electrosurgery can be used to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and remove excessive tissue buildup around the nose.

Rosacea not only has physical symptoms, but emotional ones as patients are often self-conscious in public and avoid social situations because of the redness. If you believe you have rosacea, please call Summerlin Dermatology to schedule a consultation so that you can put your best face forward today. Our team is knowledgeable on cutting-edge treatments and offers hope and help.