How to Protect My Skin with Rosacea in the Summer
Do you suffer from rosacea? If so, it can be exacerbated from the sun in the summer. Learning how to avoid a flare up and protect your skin in the summer can ensure your skin stays healthy and you stay comfortable in your own skin. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute explain what rosacea is and how to protect your skin from a flare up in the summer.
What to Know About Treating Rosacea
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects both men and women. Rosacea appears in the form of small, red, pus-filled bumps in the cheek area. The bumps and redness are your visible blood vessels in your face. Other rosacea symptoms include facial redness, eye problems, and an enlarged nose. Facial redness can appear on your nose and cheeks in addition to the red bumps. Eye problems occur because rosacea can cause dry, irritated, and swollen eyes. Additionally, over time, rosacea can result in thickening the skin on the nose, which becomes enlarged.
There isn’t just one cause of rosacea, but many factors play a role in flare ups occurring. The most common are spicy foods, alcohol, extreme changes in temperature, exercise, and sunlight. Those most at risk for developing rosacea are those with a family history of it, females, and those over the age of 30.
Protecting Your Skin
Knowing the triggers that make rosacea worse can help remind you to stay away from them. Also, learning how to protect your skin, especially in the summer, can help prevent flare ups from occurring. The best way to protect your skin in the summer is using sunscreen. Even if you don’t plan to go in the sun, you should make sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help block ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. The sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher and should be reapplied if you are in and out of the water. Those with rosacea need to take extra precautions when outside, so it is recommended to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin and face from a flare up occurring.
Though there is no cure for rosacea, there are many medications that can be used to help with rosacea flare ups. Topical medications can be used for mild to moderate rosacea. Medicine is applied directly to the affected area, and results are apparent within 12 hours. It reduces redness by constricting blood vessels. For extended results, the medication needs to be applied consistently. Oral antibiotics are best for severe rosacea. It helps to eliminate bumps and pimples that may appear. There is also an oral acne drug that can help clear up lesions left behind from rosacea. Each of these medications can and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen.
Rosacea can be complicated and can cause a loss of self-esteem. With summer around the corner, we want you feeling your best. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, complete this form. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can help diagnose your symptoms and provide you the best treatment to help with your rosacea.