Medical and Laser Rosacea Treatements in Southlake, Keller and Fort Worth TX

NailaClearMD

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition of adults characterized by symptoms varying from periodic facial flushing, facial redness, appearnce of broken capillaries and small red, pus- filled bumps.

Rosacea affects over 16 million Americans and most are undiagnosed. It is estimated that 78% of Americans do not know th symptoms of rosacea.

If left untreated, Rosacea gets worse over time. In most people, rosacea tends to occur in cycles which means there are periods of worsening of symptoms interspersed with relatively asymptomatic periods.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

• Redness of face
• Small, red bumps especially on mid face, nose, cheeks, forehead and chin
• Enlargement of the nose to a red, bulbous tip over time (rhinophyma)
• Appearance of tiny blood vessels around nose and cheeks (telangiectasia)
• 1 in 2 people have symptoms of eye redness, burning or gritty sensation (ocular rosacea)

Who is likely to get rosacea?

Rosacea is more likely to occur in people with :

• Family history of rosacea
• Fair skin, and light hair
• Between the ages of 30 and 60, especially around menopause

What causes rosacea?

While cause of rosacea is uncertain, hereditary and environmental factors are blamed by Scientists to play a role in etiology of Rosacea.

Anything that increases blood flow to the facial skin can exacerbate rosacea, such as:

• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to very hot or very cold temperature
• Ingestion of hot foods or drinks
• Spicy foods
• Direct Sun exposure
• Certain medications like topical Corticosteroids
• Medications that dilate blood vessels like some Blood pressure medications
• Strenuous exercise
• Hot baths, saunas
• Emotions like anger or embarrassment
• Stress may bring on exacerbation

It is important to know that none of the above factors cause rosacea but they can worsen symptoms of rosacea in susceptible individuals.

What can you do to reduce rosacea symptoms at home?

Patient education is an integral part of long term rosacea management. Awareness and avoidance of precipitating factors is critical to reducing flare ups. If you do not know what causes your flare-ups, keep a symptom diary to figure out precipitating factors for your symptoms. These are the general suggestions for our rosacea patients to help manage their symptoms:

• Improve your overall health by eating well (low glycemic diet, adequate lean protein and good fats) and adding regular exercise to your daily routine.
• Improve your stress management.
• Avoid spicy foods and very hot drinks.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure between 10 am till 4 pm.
• Always wear broad spectrum sun screen, minimum SPF 30, even when indoors.
• Avoid direct exposure to very cold dry air.
• Avoid direct exposure to very hot temperature. Here in Texas, I advise my patients to do their workouts in a climate controlled gym during summer and keep their face cool with a cold wash cloth during workouts.
• Reduce facial rubbing and massaging.
• Consider wearing mineral makeup only

When should you see a Doctor?

Unfortunately rosacea tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment for persistent facial redness.

Common ingredients in over the counter skin care products, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, alcohol and other irritants may worsen rosacea. Early diagnosis is imperative to prevent progression and complications

What are the treatment options?

Rosacea cannot be eliminated but a cleverly executed treatment plan can effectively manage signs and symptoms and reduce complications. At Naila Malik MD, we customize treatment plan to accomodate YOUR needs and your unique lifestyle.

The most effective management is achieved through a combination of patient education with lifestyle modification, the right skin care products, prescription medications, both topical and oral as neede and laser treatments to minimize symptoms and complications.

Medications:

Topical Medications:

Common topical medications used to treat rosacea symptoms are antibiotics such as metronidazole (e.g.Metrocream, Metrogel), tretinoin (e.g. Atralin, Renova,), azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea). Skin irritation, redness, dryness and stinging are some of the common side effects..

Oral Antibiotics:

Oral antibiotics like Tetracycline, Minocycline, Erythromycin may be used for their anti-inflammatory effect. Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and photo sensitivity with some of these agents are common side effects.

There are newer antibiotic preparations with lower dose, once a day dosing and enteric coating to minimize stomach irritation

These antibiotics offer the same efficacy as the older generation of antibiotics with fewer side effects and better complaince.

Lasers For Rosacea

Lasers to shrink enlarged blood vessels can be used safely and very effectively to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and the symptoms of rosacea.

Intense Pulsed light treatment can be used to effectively reduce flushing and redness.

Photo dynamic Therapy can be used to reduce redness and cystic lesions very effectively for inflammatory rosacea

At Naila Malik MD we have safely and effectively halped countless patients with different stages of rosacea using a combination approach.

We can help you with a customized treatment plan to address your skin type, symptoms and severity of rosacea. We also take into account your lifestyle and ability for down time for laser treatments.