Rosacea Specialist

Rosacea is more than just redness and blushing. It’s a severe dermatologic condition that tends to get worse with age. At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology, in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Lavonia, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, the dermatologists diagnose and treat all kinds of rosacea. Trigger identification, topical ointments, and laser therapy are just a few treatments the practice offers for rosacea. Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes visible blood vessels, redness, blushing, and, in some cases, small pustules. Understanding your triggers, taking medication, or trying laser treatments can help prevent rosacea flare-ups. Once your dermatologist identifies which kind of rosacea you have, they can create a tailored treatment plan.

What are the different types of rosacea?

The four subtypes of rosacea are:

Subtype one

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), or subtype one, is the most common kind of rosacea. Subtype one appears as flushing, redness, and visibly broken blood vessels.

Subtype two

Subtype two, or papulopustular rosacea, often looks like acne. Small, acne-like bumps develop on the nose, cheeks, and chin. While papulopustular rosacea affects people of all ages, it’s most commonly seen in middle-aged women.

Subtype three

Rhinophyma, or subtype three, is a rare form of rosacea that causes the skin on your nose to thicken. This type of rosacea typically shows up when you already have another subtype. While women can develop rhinophyma, it’s far more common in men.

Subtype four

Subtype four is ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes. Your eyes and eyelids appear red and swollen and feel irritated.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

The most common symptoms of rosacea are:

• Redness
• Flushing 
• Visibly broken blood vessels
• Elevated patches of skin
• Scaly skin
• Rough patches of skin
• Sensitive skin
• Bumps that resemble acne
• Enlarged pores
• Red, watery eyes
• Thickened skin on the nose, cheeks, or chin
• Oily skin

Your symptoms help your dermatologist diagnose which subtype of rosacea you have and determine the appropriate treatment.

What causes rosacea?

While there’s no known cause of rosacea, genetics, environmental factors, and how your immune system functions might play roles in its development. Trigger avoidance is one of the simplest ways to avoid rosacea flare-ups. The common rosacea triggers include:

• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Hot drinks
• Spicy foods
• Blood pressure medications
• Exercise
• Extreme temperatures

You’re more likely to develop rosacea if you’re a woman over 30. Having a close relative with rosacea increases your risk.

How is rosacea treated?

Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology offers several treatments for rosacea. Depending on the subtype, symptoms, and severity of your condition, your dermatologist could recommend:

• Topical ointments and solutions
• Oral antibiotics
• Acne medication
• Trigger identification

Laser and light therapies can help reduce facial flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels. These treatments often offer faster, more permanent cosmetic results than other solutions.

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about rosacea and its treatments.