April is Rosacea Awareness month, and to help raise awareness Dr. Callahan would like to answer a few frequently asked questions about this common inflammatory skin condition.
What causes Rosacea?
Dr. C: The true cause of rosacea has been a matter of debate in dermatology circles for many years. What we do know tends to occur in certain skin types and “rosacea triggers” worsen the disease course.
Is Rosacea hereditary?
Dr. C: The majority of rosacea patients are fair skinned and share a Northern European heritage.
Can Rosacea be “caught” before a flare-up?
Dr. C: Tricky question! – both Yes and No – It is possible to stop a full blown flare if you know the signs of flare and have the right skin care products and prescriptions.
What is Rosacea most commonly confused with by patients?
Dr. C: Acne. The two conditions can be difficult to distinguish at home which is why I recommend seeing a board-certified dermatologist in order to receive a proper diagnosis.
Will Rosacea get worse with age?
Dr. C: Not necessarily. In my opinion rosacea flares can occur at any age – what gets worse with age are the broken blood vessels.
What is the ONE thing you wish you could tell every Rosacea patient?
Dr. C: As you get older the broken blood vessels accumulate in your skin (telangiectasias) and they never go away – they just get worse. For twenty years I have had the gold-standard Vbeam laser to treat broken blood vessels – I have treated thousands of men and women with broken blood vessels on their face. The sooner we treat the better your skin looks.
If you are interested in Rosacea treatment, visit SkinSmart Dermatology. Our providers, including Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, are experienced in cosmetic and medical treatments and have been serving the Sarasota community for over 15 years. At SkinSmart Dermatology, we treat a wide variety of skin conditions and care for every individual patient with a personal touch. Schedule an appointment by calling 941.308.7546 or fill out the form on our contact page.
