What Is Rosacea?

Get the facts about this prevalent skin disorder. 

Do you notice that your skin easily flushes or feels like it's burnt without being in the sun? Do you see little bumps that look like acne that seem to come and go? If so, you could be dealing with a common condition known as rosacea. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our Santa Barbara, CA, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Alexis Doughtery, Dr. Louise Stewart and Dr. Rikk Lynn can quickly determine if you’re dealing with rosacea.

What is rosacea? 

This inflammatory and often chronic skin condition results in redness and flushing of the face, particularly the cheeks and nose. Most people think that flushing after a glass of wine or eating spicy food is normal, but this could be a sign of rosacea. Gradually, the redness will become more intense and may last longer. You may also find that the rosiness spreads to the forehead and chin. If you notice redness accompanied by bumps on your skin and think you might have rosacea, you should call our Santa Barbara, CA, team.

What causes rosacea? 

While we still don’t know what causes rosacea, research does suggest that genetics and environment can play a role in whether you develop rosacea. If you have a close family member such as a parent, sibling or grandparent with rosacea, you may also be more likely to develop it. Environmental triggers such as stress and sunlight can also trigger rosacea.

What can exacerbate rosacea? 

Knowing what can trigger a flare-up or make rosacea worse is important. If you find yourself dealing with flare-ups after drinking alcohol, being in the heat, strenuous exercise or consuming spicy foods, this is a sign that you could have rosacea. While people commonly mistake rosacea for acne, they may use acne treatments on their skin only to find that their symptoms worsen. Acne products can exacerbate rosacea. If you deal with acne and rosacea, you can speak with our Santa Barbara, CA, team about the best treatment options.

How is rosacea treated? 

Our Santa Barbara, CA, team will tailor your treatment to the type of rosacea you have. While there isn’t a cure, we offer a wide range of effective treatment options to improve your symptoms. This may include topical medications, antibiotics, special skincare cleansers and light or laser therapies.

Are you experiencing symptoms of rosacea? If so, you should schedule an evaluation with our Barbara, CA, board-certified doctors. A skin exam is typically all that’s required to diagnose rosacea. Call Kind Dermatology and Medical Spa at (805) 250-9891 to schedule a consultation.