Most of us know what it feels like to blush, usually as the result of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious. When your face appears flushed for weeks or even months at a time, that may point to a deeper issue.
Rosacea is generally harmless but can have a negative impact on your self-confidence. The good news is that there are treatment options that can help manage the symptoms of rosacea. .Prolonged redness of the face can often be attributed to a condition known as rosacea.
What is rosacea? Rosacea is a skin condition that is typically characterized by blushing or flushing. Rosacea may also involve the appearance of blood vessels on the face, or even the development of pus-filled lesions.
This is a cyclical condition, which means that it comes and goes. Patients who have rosacea may have a flare-up that lasts for weeks or months, only to subside for a while. Rosacea is not curable, but there are many treatments that can safely and effectively hold rosacea symptoms in check.
Rosacea can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms can sometimes seem like a naturally “ruddy” appearance.
Additionally, the pus-filled lesions that some patients experience can be easily mistaken for regular acne. When you join us for a consultation appointment, one of our providers will talk with you about your medical history, and also perform a careful visual assessment of the face. Usually, this provides enough information for an accurate diagnosis and the development of a clinical treatment plan.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our dermatology physician assistants, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.
While scientists are not totally clear on what causes rosacea, it is generally assumed that rosacea stems from an overactive immune system, environmental conditions, genetics, or some combination of these factors.
Rosacea flare-ups may be triggered by any number of external factors. A few of the most common triggers include:
Rosacea has many common signs and symptoms, including:
Any of these symptoms may be grounds for seeking a clinical diagnosis and treatment.
There is no known cure for rosacea, but there are a number of safe and effective treatments that can keep symptoms at bay. Your skincare specialist will recommend a treatment based on the severity of your flare-ups, as well as other factors.
The three primary options for treating rosacea include:
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
What will your first rosacea appointment be like? Here is a summary of what you can expect when you join us for treatment near Oshkosh, WI.
During your initial appointment, your skincare specialist will ask you some questions about your medical history, and also perform a visual examination of your symptoms. Your provider will confirm the diagnosis, then walk you through some of the different treatment options that are available to you. Most of the time, patients are able to begin treatment during their very first visit.
We will provide you with some home remedies you can use to minimize rosacea flare-ups. Common examples include:
The number of treatments you need will depend on the type of treatment your dermatology specialist recommends, plus the severity of your symptoms. For laser therapy, expect at least three sessions. Medications are often used on an ongoing basis in order to keep rosacea symptoms from progressing.
As you seek treatment for rosacea, we invite you to meet with our team of dermatology specialists here at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. Our specialists have over 32 years of combined training in skincare and are ready to address your skin concerns. Learn about the other dermatology services we offer near Oshkosh, WI and schedule a consultation with us at (920) 380-9890.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
