April is Rosacea Awareness Month

I’m not blushing – it’s Rosacea

APRIL IS ROSACEA AWARENESS MONTH

Briana Goodwin

There are a few skin conditions that can affect one’s quality of life and rosacea is among the most common. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea effects 14 million US adults. Even worse, most people will not realize the signs and symptoms of this skin disorder. Some will think they just blush easier than most, or that they suffer from a more inflamed form of acne.

Living with rosacea can be embarrassing, affecting a person’s social and psychological health. Men and women with rosacea may have diminished self-esteem, but more importantly left untreated rosacea can have medical repercussions as well.

Through an interview with Lindsey Gaworecki P.A., a dermatological specialist at Syracuse Plastic Surgery, we will learn about the different types of rosacea, the many triggers that can cause a flair in rosacea, and her tactics for treating this common condition.

What are the different types of Rosacea?

The main two types of rosacea are erythemal and inflammatory. Erythemal rosacea is vascular, marked by facial redness caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. Inflammatory rosacea can cause acne breakouts along with redness. Any treatment I give for either are very personalized because regardless of the diagnosis everyone is different. If someone has one of the less common types of rosacea like ocular rosacea that effects their eyes, I would refer them to an ophthalmologist.

How can these different types of Rosacea be treated?

For erythemal rosacea lasers have been the most effective treatment. Other treatments rarely do anything significant. Marcela Tobar is medical esthetician who also works at SPS and she would use an IPL laser to reduce broken blood vessels and redness. I could also use a YAG laser to achieve the same goals depending on the patient’s needs. Inflammatory rosacea responds best to prescriptions such as topical creams, foams, and sometimes oral medications. My consultations at SPS for rosacea are covered through insurance. Some treatments like lasers will incur an additional cost that will be paid out of pocket.

What are some triggers that can exasperate Rosacea?

The main trigger for Rosacea is sunlight! Sunscreen should always be worn even in cooler months. Other triggers include: stress, caffeine, alcoholic beverages - especially wine - and spicy foods. Some people can also be reactive to extreme temperature change. For instance, if you got out of a really hot shower and stepped into a cold room. Avoiding some of these triggers can help to manage symptoms.

Where skincare is concerned, what are some Rosacea dos and don’ts?

Any skincare used by a rosacea patient should be gentle. Stay away from harsh exfoliates and always wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen is the most important skincare for someone with rosacea. Also be wary of antiaging products with retinoids. Retinol can make rosacea worse in some cases and should not be used unless under the supervision of a medical provider. As a rule, it is better to stay away from antiaging products because they often have acids, and high concentrations of ingredients that can do more harm than good.

What can happen if Rosacea is left untreated?

Leaving Rosacea untreated can lead to more serious medical issues. One of the most common being rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is when skin around the nose thickens and becomes enlarged and bumpy. Consequently, this would require a much more invasive surgery as opposed to getting preventative treatments and early medical intervention.

Rosacea is a serious medical condition that often times goes unnoticed or will be looked over. While there is no “cure” for rosacea there are ways in which it can be managed. Management of rosacea can greatly improve a person’s quality of life. Those who go untreated may notice a negative impact on their daily lives, and social activities. Additionally, untreated there can be greater consequences than just looking a bit red or having a low self-esteem. Thankfully, there are medical professionals like who can offer hope and relief in the form of treatment. SWM

Briana Goodwin is a patient concierge at Syracuse Plastic Surgery located at 3107 E. Genesee St., Syracuse.

Leadership Development Coach Speaker/Trainer 315-720-2494 • barb@buildyourpathllc.com buildyourpathllc.com