Read Full Article HereKYLE — There are a variety of skin conditions that affect individuals across the world, but for Rosacea Awareness Month, Dr. Juan Estrada of U.S. Dermatology Partners — Kyle provided information on the inflammatory skin condition.
The board-certified dermatologist explained rosacea as an inflammatory skin condition, with complex causes, such as hot showers, beverages, weather, chocolate, spicy foods and more.
Although there are many triggers, each case manifests itself differently, said Estrada, but typical symptoms include persistent facial redness or blushing, cholangiectasis — little vessels that show up in the skin — a swollen and bumpy texture, burning sensation and, sometimes, eye problems.
According to Estrada, there are four variations of rosacea.
“The most common is going to be the erythematotelangiectatic, which is usually kind of the redness, the flushing on the cheek, nose, forehead, but it can also occur on the neck and kind of down to the upper chest,” said Estrada.
There is also papulopustular rosacea that causes visible spider veins, with acne-like breakouts.
Phymatous rosacea leads to individuals experiencing thickening of the skin, typically on the nose, said Estrada, causing “cauliflower nose.” Though this is typically seen in more advanced cases, it can also be genetic.
Finally, ocular rosacea is when redness and inflammation occurs inside the eyes, on the eyelids and skin around the eyes, often causing watery, burning and irritated eyes.
Although rosacea can often be confused with acne or just a normal part of the skin, Estrada emphasized that key signs are when flushing and bumpy textures are constant on the skin, without subsiding.
For those concerned about having the skin condition, the doctor encourages them to visit a dermatologist: “I wouldn’t wait too long because the longer you wait, the more unmanageable the skin condition becomes, as is true for anything.”
Rosacea can also be progressive, said Estrada, with the condition leading to more serious stages the longer patients avoid diagnosis.
“Treating is kind of a difficult term. I would say managed because whenever I think of treatment, patients expect a cure and rosacea is a chronic skin condition; it doesn’t really have a cure, but it can be managed,” Estrada explained.
There is also the notion that only fair-skinned individuals can be diagnosed with rosacea, but it can affect community members with all skin-types, he said. The dermatologist did explain that it may be more difficult for those with darker complexions to notice the redness, so paying attention to texture and potential burning sensations is important.
Estrada concluded by noting that rosacea awareness is important, as the more community members are informed, the more they can be on the lookout for early diagnosis, potentially catching the condition before it progresses.
