Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay Area, answers your questions on rosacea.
Many more people have rosacea then you may realize—more than 16 million Americans!
Even though this skin condition is extremely common, affecting 1 in 20 Americans, most people don’t realize they have rosacea or what it is. April is national rosacea awareness month, so now is a great time to learn more about this common skin condition!
Rosacea may is characterized by red blotches and raised pimples. Many people mistake rosacea with adult acne. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but there are common triggers that set rosacea off.
What to do?
Living with rosacea is difficult, and since there is no cure, many people suffer from depression and anxiety because of their skin. Rosacea tends to worsen over time, so acting fast is key.
The best way to start dealing with rosacea is to recognize and cut out your triggers. Common triggers include menopause, stress, hot water or steam, and spicy or sugary foods. Keep a food diary of all of the foods you eat and when flare-ups occur. Bring your food journal to your doctor to discuss your triggers and strategies to avoid them.
Treatment is available:
IPL, Intense Pulse Laser, like the one at Premier Dermatology, can reduce the appearance of rosacea. At home, try applying primrose oil directly to the affected skin. Your doctor may also prescribe oral or topical treatment to reduce the red blotches on your skin.
If you think you may have rosacea, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached atinfo@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).
Tags: menopause, primrose oil Intense Pulse Laser, rosacea, triggers