Have you noticed redness and irritation to your face that is worsened by extreme temperatures and certain hot or spicy foods? You may be one of the 16 million people in America who suffers from a skin condition called Rosacea. While Rosacea is an incurable condition, there are many ways to treat the symptoms and prevent flare ups. If you think you are suffering from this condition, or have had similar symptoms in the past, learn more here and call our office to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our medical providers.

Rosacea can be seen in both men and women, and affects people of all ages and races; however, it is mostly seen in fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. The most common symptoms are redness, pimples, burning and stinging sensations, and red lines to the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and/or neck. Less common symptoms include facial dandruff, oily skin, and swollen skin.

These symptoms are most often the result of a trigger like alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks, hot showers, and harsh weather. Therefore, the first step in managing Rosacea is to avoid triggers by decreasing foods or drinks that aggravate the skin condition and wearing a hat and scarf in the winter to shield your face from the cold and wind. Other methods of preventing a flare up include using a daily moisturizer during the winter to keep your face moist, and wearing sunscreen on exposed skin every day, even when its cloudy outside. It is important to make sure that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to ensure the most effective protection. Lastly, make sure to use soaps, lotions, and makeup made for sensitive skin that do not contain alcohol, are not abrasive, and will not clog pores, for these will ensure a lesser chance of flare-ups.

If your maintenance routine is still not controlling your symptoms, we have a number of options here at Rittenhouse Women’s Wellness Center and in our Dermacenter Medical Spa. After a full evaluation with one of our medical providers, they may start you on a prescription antibiotic cream to apply to your face daily. This is a good option if you are having a flare up or to have in case you have a flare up in the future. Also, in our Dermacenter, we have a therapy called Intense Pulse Light (IPL) which can be used for pigmentation, sun damage, broken capillaries and Rosacea. The IPL or Photofacial can safely and effectively reduce dilated blood vessels and persistent redness or flushing found in patients with a history of Rosacea. After a series of 3-6 treatments done monthly, you will be able to see amazing results. It is recommended to have this treatment done seasonally or twice a year depending on the severity of the Rosacea in order to maintain the positive results.

If think you have been suffering from Rosacea, contact the front desk for information and to schedule an appointment with one of our providers or aestheticians. Through the month of October, IPL treatments are discounted so make sure take advantage of this special price!!