Best Dermatologist for Rosacea Treatments in San Francisco

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects the face, most commonly on the cheeks, and central face, which includes the nose, forehead and chin. This condition is driven by chronic inflammation under the skin and increased blood flow to the surface of the skin, both of which cause persistent redness, visible blood vessels also known as broken capillaries, and small red bumps that resemble pimples. In fact, rosacea may appear very similar to pimples, and is often referred to as "acne rosacea" given the similarities. Persons with rosacea often have sensitive skin that is described as frequently irritated, red, and often with burning sensations. Rosacea can also affect the eyes and eyelids, a form called ocular rosacea. This condition can affect people of all ages and skin color, but is most commonly seen in light-skinned adults. Both men and women are commonly affected by rosacea. A rare form of rosacea, called rhinophyma is characterized by large, firm lumps on the nose that contribute to an enlarged nose over time. Rhinophyma is almost always seen exclusively in men.

What are the Causes?

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood. Most theories are that it is largely thought to be genetic or hereditary. However, there are some known triggers both inside (intrinsic) and outside (extrinsic) the body that play a role in developing rosacea. These triggers include sunlight or UV exposure which causes sun damage to the skin, heat, extreme weather conditions, and ingested substances that further increase blood flow to the skin, such as alcohol and spicy foods. Intrinsic triggers include an overactive immune system, such as one that reacts to the normal presence of micro-organisms such as bacteria that naturally live on the skin. All of these triggers worsen rosacea by increasing inflammation in the skin.

How Do You Treat It?

There are many treatment options for rosacea. The specific treatment type offered will depend on the type of rosacea that is present. Treatment options include laser treatments, other energy-based device treatments such as IPL, topical creams, and oral medications.

Laser and light-based treatments treat rosacea by targeting and destroying the excess and visible blood vessels in the skin, to effectively reduce redness. This treatment is safe, involves little to no downtime, and results in gradual improvement in the appearance of facial redness and broken capillaries. Prescription topical medications and oral antibiotics are also used to treat some types of rosacea, by controlling bacterial overgrowth and treating chronic inflammation. As this is a chronic condition, results after treatment are usually gradual and seen over weeks to months. Once improved, the results last many years as long as a proper skin care regimen is being followed. Proper skin care for rosacea includes practicing sun protective behaviors such as daily use of sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 while doing ones daily activities, avoiding sun damage, avoiding harsh skin care products, such as chemical peels, alcohol-based toners, and fragrances, as they may aggravate rosacea-prone skin. For rosacea involving the eyes, treatment is usually in the form of eye drops and oral antibiotics that work to reduce inflammation.

Do I Need Prepare for Treatments?

The type of preparation needed before rosacea treatment will differ based on the type of treatment. In general, for best results after laser treatment for rosacea, it is best to avoid direct sunlight and sun exposure in the weeks preceding this treatment. This is because sunlight and UV radiation worsen rosacea symptoms, and makes the skin more sensitive and prone to complications from laser treatments.