What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, pus-filled bumps. It most commonly appears in adults between ages 30 and 50, and tends to affect those with fair skin.
Without treatment, rosacea typically worsens over time. Flare-ups can be triggered by sun exposure, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, and certain skincare products. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, rosacea can be effectively managed.
At St. George Dermatology, we identify your specific rosacea subtype, pinpoint your personal triggers, and develop a comprehensive management plan to keep symptoms under control.
Types of Rosacea
Erythematotelangiectatic
Persistent facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. The most common type, often mistaken for sunburn or blushing.
Papulopustular
Redness accompanied by acne-like breakouts—small bumps and pus-filled pimples, typically on cheeks, chin, and forehead.
Phymatous
Skin thickening and enlargement, most commonly affecting the nose (rhinophyma). More common in men and develops over time.
Ocular Rosacea
Affects the eyes, causing redness, irritation, swollen eyelids, and a gritty sensation. Can sometimes precede skin symptoms.
Treatment Options
Topical Medications
Prescription creams and gels that reduce redness and inflammation, including metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.
Oral Antibiotics
Low-dose antibiotics used for their anti-inflammatory properties to control papules and pustules effectively.
Laser & IPL Therapy
Light-based treatments that target visible blood vessels and diffuse redness for longer-lasting improvement.
Trigger Management
Personalized guidance on identifying and avoiding your specific triggers, plus gentle skincare recommendations.
What to Expect
1
Detailed Skin Assessment
We examine your skin, identify your rosacea subtype, and discuss your symptom history and known triggers.
2
Treatment Strategy
We prescribe targeted medications and may recommend laser treatments based on your rosacea type and severity.
3
Skincare Guidance
We recommend gentle, rosacea-friendly products and help you build a routine that calms rather than aggravates your skin.
4
Ongoing Care
Regular check-ins allow us to monitor progress and adjust your plan as your skin responds to treatment.