Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder, which can last for years, and may even be permanent. Rosacea flare-ups occur as a result of blood vessel ingrowth near the surface of the skin. When a flare-up occurs, it can cause the face to become flushed and may even cause thickened skin, persistent redness, visible blood vessels or severe pimples.
Anyone can get rosacea, but it is most common among adults with fair complexions. People with rosacea may have it passed down through genetics. If other people in your family have had rosacea, there is a greater likelihood that it may affect you.
Although rosacea is chronic, it is not always evident at all times. The disorder is most noticeable during flare-ups.
Signs & Symptoms of Rosacea Flare-Ups
Rosacea flare-ups cause inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels in an individual. As a result, the skin around the vessels appear red and may swell. Rosacea flare-ups can last for anywhere from one day to one month, although it averages one week.
How long the flare-ups last is often best predicted by its severity, your experience with flare-ups, and what sort of management you use. The greater the swelling, redness, burning or itching sensations, the more severe the flare. Generally, the greater the severity, the longer it lasts.
Comparing the severity to previous rosacea flares can give you an idea of how long yours will last. Although it’s not always the case, intense flare-ups generally show a pattern. How long each flare-up lasts tend to last for an individual an equivalent amount of time.
However, your actions can impact this. For instance, avoiding rosacea triggers helps to reduce the length of time. As the flare-up falls into remission, your rosacea becomes less visible and, for some, may even appear gone.
How to Prevent Flare-Ups with Treatment Options
Although the cause of rosacea itself is genetic, the cause of a flare-up is, typically, environmental. Excessive sun, heat, and steam are all common triggers. Avoiding triggers is one of the most effective techniques for managing rosacea flare-ups.
Everyone’s rosacea is a little different, so finding your triggers may take some trial and error. One useful approach is to keep a Rosacea Diary, a journal where you can mark times where your rosacea has gotten worse. Along with the entry indicate any factors that may have contributed:
- Stress
- Diet
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Spicy Foods
- Skin Care Routines
Over time, this diary can help you identify common factors that seem to trigger your rosacea.
Rosacea Treatments
Although rosacea has no cure, there are several effective treatments to manage symptoms.
Even the most diligent attempts at prevention may still result in occasional flare-ups. Using advanced cosmetic procedures and medication, you can reduce the appearance of rosacea.
BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL)
BBL is one of the best options for treating rosacea. Using cosmetic lasers, it is an entirely safe and noninvasive procedure. Patients can come in for treatment return to their regular life the same day, with no downtime.
The BroadBand Light treatment reduces the redness caused by enlarged blood vessels, lessening their appearance and removing or reducing redness and inflammation.
Also, laser resurfacing can repair and rejuvenate the skin, provide an even texture and colouration and reduce or eliminate rosacea symptoms.
Medication
Common medications for rosacea, such as brimonidine and oral antibiotics or oral medication, can also help. They do not cure the underlying condition, although they can improve symptoms and reduce discomfort.
Visually, the benefits of medications are not as significant as those achieved through BBL treatments. However, they can be used in combination with BroadBand Light therapy to optimize results.
Always consult a doctor before beginning to use rosacea medications or skin care products meant to help with flare-ups.
Book Rosacea Laser Therapy in Newmarket
Plastic Surgery Skin Clinic is a leading clinic for Cosmetic Laser treatments in Newmarket, Ontario. Whether you’re looking to diagnose a skin condition or seeking treatments like BBL therapy, our Newmarket skincare clinic is ready to help.
PSSC uses the latest technology and attentive plastic surgeons’ expertise to provide the best solutions for your specific needs.
Contact us today for a consultation.