Rosacea Treatments
in Palo Alto, Fremont, Union City & Newark, California
COSMECEUTICALS AND SKIN THERAPIES USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ROSACEA
Depending on the nature of your particular condition, a variety of treatment options are available.
Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but little-known disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans -- and most of them don't know it. In fact, while rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.
Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, however, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated. In recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70 percent said the disorder had adversely affected their professional interactions, and nearly 30 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, today medical help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. Any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:
- Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.
- Small visible blood vessels on the face.
- Bumps or pimples on the face.
- Watery or irritated eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosacea
Browse the questions below for general information about Rosacea Treatment at Bizmed Spa. If you have more specific questions, Dr. Lee invites you to ask him your questions directly on the "Ask Dr. Lee" page.
Rosacea Question Index
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, although several theories exist. One theory of rosacea's origin is that the disease may be a component of a more generalized disorder of the blood vessels, which could explain why rosacea sufferers have a tendency to flush. Another theory is that changes in normal skin bacteria or infection of the stomach by Helicobacter pylori may play a role. Other theories suggest that the condition is caused by microscopic skin mites (Demodex), fungus, a malfunction of the connective tissue under the skin or even psychological factors. None of these possibilities has been proven.
Is rosacea contagious?
No. Rosacea is not considered an infectious disease, and there is no evidence that it can be spread by contact with the skin or through inhaling airborne bacteria. The effectiveness of antibiotics against rosacea symptoms is widely believed to be due to their anti-inflammatory effect, rather than their ability to destroy bacteria.
