Rosacea
Rosacea
What Is It?
Rosacea, sometimes referred to as "middle-age acne," is very common causing redness and swelling on the face. Rosacea may begin as a tendency to blush easily and gradually progress to persistent redness and acne-like bumps on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. In more severe cases, other symptoms include broken capillaries on the surface of the skin, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks.
What Causes It?
No one really knows what causes rosacea. There are aggravating circumstances that can worsen the condition, such as psychological stress, sunlight exposure and certain foods including spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Women tend to get rosacea more often than men, since rosacea has been associated with menopause as well.
What Can Be Done?
A combination of treatments may be recommended depending on the severity of the skin condition. Commonly, rosacea is treated with topical antibiotic creams such as metronidazole. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed and usually work faster. Limit exposure to sunlight and always use sunscreens.
Newer therapies include the use of lasers and intense pulse light sources to treat the blood vessels. The Laser & Rejuvenation Center has a variety of lasers and light sources available.
The Tennessee Clinical Research Center conducts ongoing clinical research studies for rosacea with some of the newest medicines in the industry. If you would like inquire about participation in a clinical research trial for rosacea, please contact our research team at 615-383-9660.
