Rosacea

For more information on rosacea and other skin conditions visit our

Patient Education Center.

Rosacea is an adult-onset complexion disorder that appears as pimple-like bumps that come and go. Redness or flushing of the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead may also be features of rosacea. The condition is not harmful to one's health, but is often uncomfortable and can adversely affect one's appearance and self-esteem.

Rosacea may begin with an intermittent flushed appearance of the cheeks and chin. Over time, the redness may become more intense and more persistent, and may develop on the nose or forehead. Visible blood vessels may also appear. Left untreated, in severe cases, the nose may grow permanently swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. In some rosacea patients, the eyes may also feel irritated and appear watery or bloodshot.

Rosacea can be controlled in nearly every case; however, there is no cure. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but avoidance of rosacea triggers such as certain foods or beverages, stress and environmental factors can help prevent flare-ups.

Treatment includes topical and oral prescription medicines to control or reverse the signs and symptoms of rosacea. In addition, at Van Dam Dermatology & Laser Center, our expertise in Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can provide effective, long-term clearing of visible redness and blood vessels characteristic of rosacea. One treatment can produce visible improvement; a series of 3-5 treatments may be required depending on your individual conditions and goals for improvement.