Rosacea Myth vs Fact
Important Rosacea Myths vs Facts Dermatologists Share
Myth #1 – My Roscaea is always going to be flaring in some way.
Fact: We now have easy and effective medicines to treat Rosacea. We use a variety of prescription topical creams such as ivermectin, micronized benzol peroxide, azelaic acid, metronidazole, and oxymetolazone. These creams can decrease the frequency, duration and intensity of flares.
Myth #2 – Rosacea flares always involve redness.
Fact: While rosacea flares can involve redness, sometimes they can also mimic acne on the cheeks. Current diagnosis of rosacea includes 1 diagnostic sign OR 2 major signs:
Diagnostic signs include persistent facial redness or thickening of the skin. (if you have one of these, you have rosacea).
Major signs include flushing, bumps or pimple-like spots, visible broken blood vessels on the skin, and eye irritation.
Originally rosacea was classified into 4 types but we now know that patients may move between types as well as have more than one type at the same time.
- Erythematotelangiectatic (ETR) Rosacea:
- Characterized by persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels (telangiectasias).
- May also experience burning, stinging, or sensitivity.
- Papulopustular Rosacea:
- Presents with red, pus-filled bumps (pustules) and small, raised spots (papules).
- Can resemble acne, but is not caused by bacteria.
- Phymatous Rosacea:
- Rare type characterized by thickening and enlargement of the skin, particularly on the nose.
- May develop bumps, nodules, and enlarged pores.
- Ocular Rosacea:
- Affects the eyes, causing redness, irritation, dryness, and sensitivity to light.
Myth #3 – Rosacea is very rare
Fact: Rosacea affects about 5% of the population. It is more common in women and in people with fair skin. The average age of onset of rosacea is about 30 years old, but we definitely see it in younger adolescents as well.
Myth #4: The redness in rosacea is permanent.
Fact: The redness is not permanent! We have very effective lasers at Pure Dermatology such as Excel V that can vastly improve redness. It is important to stay on prescribed medical topicals and oral therapy to protect your investment and keep your results! We love products like Neova Ultimate Redness Relief to help supplement your prescription and laser regimen. Sunscreen is also super important in maintaining the results from laser therapy.
Myth #5: Sunscreen is not important in rosacea.
Fact: Sunlight is the most common trigger of rosacea – for this reason, sunscreen is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT in your skincare routine. We prefer physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because they are less irritating on rosacea prone skin. Some of our favorites are Isdin Eryfotona Actinica and Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Myth #6: Skincare doesn’t matter in Rosacea.
Fact: Gentle skincare is VERY important in rosacea. Too many different products, and every day products, like Vitamin C, can trigger a rosacea flare. It is important to use non-fragranced products and gentle products to reduce the amount of irritation and flares.
Myth #7: Most people with rosacea are alcoholics.
Fact: NOT TRUE! Although alcohol can trigger rosacea – lots of people who drink don’t have rosacea and lots of rosacea patients don’t drink alcohol! There are multiple other triggers for rosacea as well such as: heat, extreme cold, stress, skincare products, hot liquids, spicy foods, and heavy exercise.
Myth #8: There is no cure for rosacea, so I might as well give up hope!
Fact: There are lots of effective treatments for rosacea! From topical treatments listed above to oral medications like dose doxycycline or low dose isotretinoin – there is something for everyone! It is important to see a Board Certified Dermatologist, because Rosacea can often be misdiagnosed as acne or other disorder. Start with the experts to get improvement more quickly! Avoid buying gobs of different products at the pharmacy, Ulta, or Sephora that could cause irritation. Book an appointment with a Pure Dermatology expert today!
