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Rosacea

Persistent facial redness, flushing and bumps, controlled with a tailored plan.

How referrals work Book a cosmetic consultation

Medical care: referral required. Cosmetic care: no referral needed.

Rosacea

Fed up with facial redness and blushing? Many people live with rosacea, a chronic skin condition marked by persistent redness of the central face.

Rosacea is an inflammatory process that can bring small pimples and small, visible dilated vessels within the reddened areas, especially on the chin, cheeks and nose. Many lifestyle factors can make it flare up. Common triggers are hot and cold weather, alcohol, sun exposure, stress, and hot or spicy food and drinks.

Canadians affectedOver 2 million
Usually developsAges 30 to 50
More common inWomen

Rosacea is a chronic condition that is often misdiagnosed as acne. It cannot be cured, but it can definitely be controlled. At Rao Dermatology, we can help you establish an optimal plan to treat your rosacea symptoms.

What causes rosacea?

According to the latest research, rosacea is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as a compromised immune system, fair or light skin, a family history of rosacea, or too much exposure to sunlight.

The first signs of rosacea can be subtle and may include occasional blushing or noticeable redness of the skin. Over time, however, these symptoms can become more persistent and pronounced. Bumps, pimples and enlarged blood vessels may appear, giving your skin a rough, uneven look. Very rarely, symptoms may be severe enough that the skin tissue of the nose becomes thick, swollen and bumpy. This form of rosacea, called rhinophyma, typically affects older men.

What type of rosacea do you have?

It is important to have a consultation with an experienced, professional skin specialist like Dr. Rao to determine which of these types of rosacea you have, and what the best course of treatment will be.

Mild erythematotelangiectatic

Identified by facial flushing and redness, which may only be present at times. You may also have some swelling, burning and stinging, roughness and noticeable red blood vessels.

Moderate papulopustular

This more advanced form of rosacea is marked by persistent redness and pimple-like bumps that may be confused with acne, as well as burning and stinging.

Severe phymatous

Rosacea may affect the nose, causing the skin tissue to thicken and become bumpy. This severe form, called rhinophyma, most often occurs when the condition is left untreated.

Rosacea treatment options

Rosacea can’t be completely cured, but professional treatment can improve your skin’s appearance. The best success usually comes from a tailored treatment plan that includes suppression and prevention, correction, and ongoing (lifelong) maintenance and management.

Laser that removes small vessels

The Excel V laser system treats vascular skin conditions such as rosacea. It uses a high-power green laser to target abnormal blood vessels and pigment in the skin with precision.

Light therapy for background redness

IPL phototherapy is an essential maintenance procedure that diminishes background redness. It is a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation using infrared light, ideal for any part of your face, neck or décolleté that shows redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. It has been recommended for skin discolouration from sun damage and for the flushing symptoms of rosacea.

Medical treatments

Both topical and systemic medical treatments for inflamed pimples.

Daily advanced skin care

A daily advanced skin care regimen, which must include sun protection.

Getting treatment

The team at Rao Dermatology is committed to working with you on a synergistic approach to improving your skin’s health and reducing the signs of rosacea.

During your consultation, Dr. Rao will address your specific needs and goals and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. He will also recommend the best treatment plan for achieving your desired results.

Seeing Dr. Rao for medical rosacea care? In Alberta, a physician or nurse practitioner must refer you to a dermatologist for a medical skin condition. How referrals work. Live far from Edmonton? Ask your doctor about teledermatology.

Cosmetic redness treatments don’t need a referral.

Which visit do you need?

Medical diagnosis or prescription treatment

Referral required. Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send us a referral. Already referred? Call 780-437-7189 to book.