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Rosacea Treatment

Kaysville, UT

Smiling woman with curly hair in natural light.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes facial redness, acne-like pimples, visible small blood vessels on the face, swelling and/or watery, irritated eyes. This inflammation of the face can affect the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids. More than 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea. It is not contagious, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is inherited.

Rosacea generally begins after age 30 and goes through cycles of flare-ups and remissions. Over time, it gets ruddier in color and small blood vessels (like spider veins) may appear on the face. If left untreated, bumps and pimples may form, the end of the nose may become swollen, red and bulbous and eyes may water or become irritated. Rosacea occurs most often among people with fair skin who tend to blush or flush easily. Most patients experience multiple symptoms at varying levels of severity.

While there is not yet a cure for rosacea, there are many innovative treatments that can reduce or eliminate redness. Dr. Silkey offers the most advanced array of state-of-the-art rosacea treatments, including non-invasive IPL (intense pulsed light) and the latest vascular laser procedures.

If you live in the greater Salt Lake City area, and you are suffering from the frustration of rosacea, schedule a consultation at Silkey Skin MD. Dr. Silkey and our caring staff will provide you with the latest, most effective treatments for your rosacea.

Rosacea Symptoms

In addition to appearing on the face, these symptoms may also appear on the neck, chest, scalp and ears:

  • flushing
  • persistently red skin on the face
  • bumps or acne-like pimples
  • visible blood vessels on facial skin
  • watery or irritated eyes
  • burning, itching or stinging of facial skin
  • skin roughness and dryness
  • raised red patches
  • swelling (edema)

Rosacea Treatment

Each case of rosacea is unique. Dr. Silkey often will often prescribe oral antibiotics and topical medications to reduce the severity of the symptoms. When the condition goes into remission, only topical treatments may be needed.

In more severe cases, we may recommend treatment in our Kaysville, UT office with a vascular laser, such as the IPL (intense pulsed light) laser, to remove any visible blood vessels and reduce excess redness and bumpiness on the nose.

To help reduce the incidence of flare-ups, a gentle daily skin care routine is recommended that includes the use of mild, non-abrasive cleansers, soft cloths, rinsing in lukewarm water, and blotting the face dry (not rubbing).

Additionally, individuals with rosacea need to protect themselves from sun exposure by using sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher that eliminate UV rays. Patients are also encouraged to keep a record of flare-ups to try and determine the lifestyle, diet, and environmental triggers that aggravate their rosacea.

Rosacea Triggers

Research conducted by the National Rosacea Foundation found that the leading triggers for rosacea are:

  • sun exposure
  • hot or cold weather
  • emotional stress
  • wind
  • alcohol
  • heavy exercise
  • spicy foods
  • hot baths
  • heated beverages
  • some skin care products
  • humidity
  • indoor heat