The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to help educate the public about this common skin disorder.

Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is often under-diagnosed and misunderstood. An estimated 16 million Americans are affected and most of them don't know it. At first rosacea may come and go as a “flush” or “blush.” Without treatment, it often progresses with the redness gradually becoming permanent and more pronounced. Blood vessels can become enlarged blood vessels and the skin may be dry and sensitive. Red bumps and pustules may appear and be mistaken for acne. In more severe cases, especially in men, knobby bumps may develop on the nose and it may appear swollen. In some patients, the eyes and eyelids may be irritated and red.

Early diagnosis and treatment helps prevent worsening of rosacea and the formation of permanent facial veins and skin texture changes. While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, The Advanced Skin Treatment Center and Dr. Elaine Cook, in conjunction with our internet site, SkinTreatment.com, offer therapy to control or reverse its signs and symptoms

Rosacea is treated in a number of ways. It is often triggered by certain foods, beverages, environmental factors, and even emotions. Some medications, physical exertion, and certain skin care products can also be triggers. Dr. Elaine will work with you to identify those triggers and help you avoid them.

Sun Protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more that blocks both UVA and UVB should be used every day year-round. Dr. Elaine recommends our DCL Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50. Our Extra Gentle Cleanser and Dr. Elaine’s Facial Moisturizing Cream are recommended for rosacea sufferers. Surface treatment with prescription antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics may also be indicated.

Patients with dilated blood vessels and/or persistent redness can benefit from Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or other forms of laser treatment, depending on their overall physical condition. Dr. Elaine will discuss whether these treatments are appropriate to your particular condition.

While Rosacea cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Its red-faced, acne-like appearance can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems, if left untreated. Dr. Elaine Cook and the staff of The Advanced Skin Treatment Center are here to help. Call our office at 800.417.SKIN during business hours or drop us an email at SkinCare@SkinTreatment.com anytime. See our web site for a complete statement of our online privacy and security polices.

For more information about Rosacea and its treatment, visit our web site. The National Rosacea Society has a good article on its web site with Tips for Talking About Rosacea During Awareness Month.

All of Dr. Elaine’s skin care products can be purchased securely online at SkinTreatment.com and are shipped to you FREE via USPS Priority Mail, usually within three business days. Express shipping is also available on web orders placed before noon, CST, Monday through Friday. Call 1-800-417-SKIN for details.