What Is Rosacea?

It's normal for your face to flush when you're nervous or embarrassed. But when the redness is everlasting, this could be the result of an underlying condition, such as rosacea. Often striking those who are fair-skinned, rosacea can benefit from medical dermatology from Dr. Tamara Ross at Moss Dermatology in Forest Hills, NY. If you experience flare-ups that include watery or irritated eyes, or raised red patches, please visit us to learn more about rosacea.

What Exactly Is Rosacea?

More than 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea, which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the face but is known to develop in other areas of the body. It's often mistaken for lupus (an autoimmune disease), eczema, or a skin allergy, and is more common among those with fair-skin. There is no exact cause for rosacea, but experts believe it's due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The earlier you notice signs and symptoms, the sooner the condition can be treated.

Rosacea Symptoms

You should consult with our Forest Hills medical dermatologist if you are bothered by:

• Swollen blood vessels in the face
• Excessive skin roughness and dryness
• Pimples and bumps that resemble acne
• Permanent redness on the cheeks, forehead, ears, or chin
• Burning, itching, stinging, of the skin

Signs of rosacea get worse over time and lead to permanent damage if left untreated. Although there is no cure for this chronic skin condition, it is manageable, and it doesn't have to be detrimental to your daily life.

Rosacea Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose rosacea, Dr. Ross will perform a physical examination and look for specific identifiers such as swollen eyelids, facial redness, and acne-like breakouts. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, health history, and current symptoms. There is no cure for rosacea, and if you have it, the treatment varies by patient. For mild cases, oral and topical therapy can decrease the thickening of the skin, reduce bumps and pimples, and help redness fade. For more severe cases, when it's appropriate, laser treatment may be beneficial to remove visible blood vessels.

If you suspect you have rosacea and require assistance managing symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tamara Ross at Moss Dermatology in Forest, Hills, NY to learn more about this chronic skin condition. For more information about medical dermatology, the conditions we treat, and services provided, visit our website. For questions or appointment scheduling, please call (718) 268-3161.