Rosacea

More than 14 million people in the United States have rosacea, a skin condition characterized by red patches. At Open Door Medical Clinic in Great Falls, Montana, osteopathic medicine specialists Melonie Parmley, DO, Ardine Balili, PAC, and the team offer treatments to eliminate bothersome rosacea symptoms. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that often affects your face. However, it can appear in other areas of your body. Rosacea is harmless, but it can cause redness and other symptoms that may affect your self-confidence if left untreated. 

The Open Door Medical Clinic team can determine the type of rosacea you have and the best way to treat it.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Rosacea can cause the following symptoms:

• Redness, especially on your face
• Pimples
• Skin swelling
• Visible or enlarged blood vessels
• Acne-like appearance
• Thickened skin
• Bumpy skin
• Enlarged or bulbous nose
• Irritated, bloodshot, sensitive, or watery eyes
• Styes on your eyelids
• Flushing
• Burning, itching, or stinging skin
• Skin tightness, dryness, or roughness
• Red skin patches
• Facial swelling

Your symptoms might come and go. While there’s no cure for rosacea, treatment can reduce or eliminate your symptoms. 

While common on the face, rosacea may affect other areas. Examples include your neck, chest, ears, and scalp. 

What are the risk factors for rosacea?

Anyone can develop rosacea, but the following factors could increase your risk:

• Being female
• Having fair skin
• Being over age 30
• Family history of rosacea
• Immune, nervous system, or blood vessel conditions
• Skin mites
• Infections

Rosacea flare-up triggers vary from person to person. They might include hot or cold temperature extremes, sun exposure, stress, or alcohol. Spicy foods, hormone changes, and some hair or skin products might also worsen rosacea symptoms. 

How is rosacea diagnosed?

The Open Door Medical Clinic experts examine your skin and review your medical history and symptoms to determine whether you have rosacea and how best to treat it. They create a plan after the diagnosis is made.  

How is rosacea treated?

Your customized rosacea treatment plan may consist of one or more of the following:

• Topical medication
• Oral medicine
• Skincare changes
• Laser treatment
• Surgical procedures in severe cases
• Trigger avoidance

If you know your triggers, avoiding them may reduce rosacea flare-ups. The Open Door Medical Clinic experts follow up to make sure your treatment is working.

Schedule a rosacea skin evaluation at Open Door Medical Clinic by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.