Acne vs. Rosacea. How to Combat Both
Whether you have acne or rosacea you may not feel comfortable in your own skin, but there are many treatments and tips on how to combat both. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute share signs and symptoms of acne and rosacea as well as how to treat both to help gain your confidence back.
How to Combat Acne and Rosacea
Acne
It is common for men and women of all ages to experience acne. Some experience it during their younger hormonal years, and others do not experience it until adulthood. Acne occurs in the sebaceous glands when they are overstimulated. The glands produce excess oil and skin cells, resulting in a blockage of the glands. This results in acne in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. Many individuals experience acne flare-ups that last for a few days or a few months, and sometimes the acne is severe enough that it can lead to scarring. Regardless of when you experience it or how severely you experience it, it can feel embarrassing and like there is no way out. There is a way out, though, and acne can be treated!
Acne Treatments
Acne treatments range from simply taking care of your skin better to actual medications and/or facials dedicated to clearing up acne. If you have acne, it is important to wash your face daily with a non-drying cleanser, don’t pick or squeeze pimples and wear sunscreen daily. These steps can help to reduce the severity of your acne. Additionally, medications that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are beneficial in getting rid of acne and stopping acne from forming again.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term skin disorder that results in facial redness, pimples, and thickened skin. The condition can flare up for weeks to months at a time, go away, and then come back again. Noticeable symptoms include a flushed look around the cheeks, swollen bumps in the facial area, eye irritation, and an enlarged nose. White females with pale skin are most likely to experience rosacea. There is no direct cause of rosacea, but factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods, extreme temperature changes, and some alcoholic beverages can trigger flare-ups. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatments to help reduce rosacea symptoms.
Rosacea Treatments
If you notice signs or symptoms of rosacea, seeing a dermatologist should be your next step. The dermatologist will ask for a list of symptoms that will help determine if you are experiencing rosacea. If you are, they will recommend medications and/or laser therapy. Topical medications help to reduce flushing. It is applied directly to the affected areas, and results are seen within 12 hours of use. The medication needs to be applied regularly to continue seeing results. Laser therapy helps to decrease the size of the blood vessels that may be apparent by targeting the affected area. Results are seen after a few weeks, and treatments may need to be continued to continue seeing results.
It is important to know that if you are struggling with acne or rosacea, you are not alone. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois, or the surrounding areas, complete this form, and the dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute will be in touch to help.