April is Rosacea Awareness Month

At Alazzo Med Spa, we treat a variety of skin conditions with a multitude of services. Some of the skin conditions we treat are hyperpigmentation, liver spots, age spots, melasma and acne. April has been deemed as Rosacea Awareness Month, by the National Rosacea Society, so we’d like to shift our focus to Rosacea, a condition that affects more than 16 million Americans and is treated at Alazzo Med Spa.

What is Rosacea?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rosacea is a skin condition that affects people between 30 and 50 and is characterized by many signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms are typically seen on a person’s nose, cheeks, forehead and chin but can also be found on the ears, chest and back. There are 4 types of rosacea:

  1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea – redness, flushing, visible blood vessels. You may recognize some of these famous faces who show the signs of redness and flushing: Bill Clinton, Cameron Diaz, Prince William and Princess Diana.
  2. Papulopustular rosacea – redness, swelling and acne-like breakouts.
  3. Phymatous rosacea – thickening of the skin with a bumpy texture.
  4. Ocular rosacea – red and irritated eyes, swollen eyelids, the appearance of what looks like a sty.

Aside from the physical signs and symptoms, many studies show that the problems that come along with rosacea go much deeper than the skin. Recent studies have found that those affected by rosacea are frustrated, embarrassed, worried, have low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. This emotional toll it takes, causes people to have difficulty in their relationships and trouble meeting new people. A survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that 70% of those with rosacea have trouble with interacting with people at work because they’re embarrassed. Thirty percent of people even miss work.

What causes rosacea?

Genetics are a big cause of rosacea. Many people who are blue eyed and blonde, have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestors and have someone in their family with severe acne often get rosacea. There are other factors that may play a part, as well, like: your body’s ability to process cathelicidin, a protein that protects your skin; mites on your skin, and a weakened immune system.

How is rosacea treated?

At Alazzo Med Spa, in Frederick, MD, we treat rosacea with intense pulse light (IPL) therapy. IPL Therapy targets broken blood vessels that contribute redness and pulls the hyperpigmentation to the skin’s surface as the body absorbs the broken blood vessels. All in all, this diminishes the appearance of rosacea. Getting IPL has some additional benefits too! Read our recent blog “Prevent Looking Another Year Older with These Two Anti-Aging Treatments” to learn more.

If you’re struggling with the signs and symptoms of rosacea, we’d love to help restore you confidence. Let’s start with a free consultation so that we can evaluate your skin and answer any questions that you have. Call us today at 301.810.5740.