Last week I provided a summary about the signs and symptoms of Rosacea. Today I would like to provide you some guidance on the types and treatments for you to consider for you and/or your family.
What Are the Different Types of Rosacea?
There are four subtypes of rosacea. People with rosacea may have more than one rosacea subtype at the same time. Ocular rosacea may occur alone, with no changes to the skin. Rosacea may present as follows:
- Subtype 1: Facial Redness (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea)…Flushing and persistent redness. Visible blood vessels may also appear.
- Subtype 2: Bumps and Pimples (papulopustular rosacea)…Persistent facial redness with bumps or pimples.
- Subtype 3: Skin Thickening (phymatous rosacea)… Skin thickening and enlargement, usually around the nose.
- Subtype 4: Eye Irritation (ocular rosacea)… Watery or bloodshot appearance, irritation, burning or stinging.
What Are Common Rosacea Treatments?
Although there is no cure for rosacea, a variety of safe and effective rosacea treatments are available to reduce its appearance and prevent further progression. If allowed to worsen over a long period, the symptoms of rosacea become more difficult to treat. Rosacea treatments include oral and topical medications, lifestyle modifications, laser and light therapies, and surgical procedures (used mostly for advanced cases).
Your doctor will recommend a rosacea treatment plan based on the following:
- All rosacea subtype(s) you have developed
- Severity of rosacea
- Your skin type (light vs. dark, oily vs. dry)
- Results from previous treatments
- Your personal preferences
A combination of treatments may also be recommended for optimal results. For instance, an oral medication may be combined with a topical medication.
Keeping Rosacea Under Control
There are a variety of skin care tips for rosacea that are helpful for avoiding rosacea flares. Patients should work with their doctors to establish a skin care regimen that includes the daily use of sunscreens, gentle cleansing, and the use of skin care products that don’t burn or sting. Many people report that their rosacea flares up following exposure to certain triggers. Some common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, spicy foods, hot baths and emotional stress.
In many cases, a rosacea diary can be very useful for tracking rosacea symptoms over time and identifying possible triggers, so that they can be avoided. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about signs, symptoms, types or treatment…we would be glad to help!
BY: Dr. Jonathan S. Weiss
