Rosacea, sometimes referred to as “adult acne,” is very common causing redness and swelling on the face. Rosacea may begin as a tendency to blush easily and gradually progress to persistent redness and acne-like bumps on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. In more severe cases, other symptoms include broken capillaries on the surface of the skin, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks.
What Causes It?
No one really knows what causes rosacea, although genetics certainly is involved in most cases. There are aggravating circumstances that can worsen the condition, such as psychological stress, sunlight exposure and certain foods including spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Women tend to get rosacea more often than men, since rosacea has been associated with menopause as well.
What Can Be Done?
A combination of treatments may be recommended depending on the severity of the skin condition. Commonly, rosacea is treated with topical antibiotic creams. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed when needed. Limiting exposure to sunlight and using appropriate sunscreens are always recommended.
Newer therapies include the use of lasers and intense pulse light sources to treat the blood vessels. The Laser & Rejuvenation Center has a variety of lasers and light sources available.
Tennessee Clinical Research Center routinely conducts clinical research studies for rosacea. For more information call TCRC at 615-383-9660 or visit www.tnclinicalresearch.com to view the current list of studies.
