Rosacea

A persistent flushed appearance can often be caused by a condition known as rosacea. Rosacea is typically not dangerous or a health concern, but the symptoms including redness, pimples, dryness, and rhinophyma (enlargement of the nose) can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Dr. Goodkin is a Harvard-educated dermatologist who understands effective treatment options for rosacea, offering relief from redness and other symptoms for patients in the Boston area.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition which causes redness and, in some cases, small pimples on the face. Rosacea can also cause dry, swollen, or irritated eyelids or thickened skin and a bulbous appearance on the nose, a condition known as rhinophyma. Some patients may experience rosacea symptoms which flare up occasionally, but subside after weeks or months. Other patients may experience persistent rosacea symptoms.

Rosacea most commonly occurs in middle-aged women with light skin tones, however, the condition can affect virtually any patient. Rosacea is a very common skin condition.

In some cases, rosacea may be confused for other conditions, such as acne or simply a naturally ruddy or flushed appearance. Dr. Goodkin will evaluate your skin to confirm whether you are experiencing rosacea.

How is Rosacea Treated?

After evaluating your rosacea symptoms, Dr. Goodkin will recommend a treatment plan that is effective and manageable for you. This includes skincare recommendations, lifestyle changes and trigger management, and professional therapies.

One of the leading causes of rosacea symptoms or flare-ups is sun exposure. For this reason, it’s important for rosacea patients to take extra care to protect their skin from the sun. This includes wearing SPF daily, seeking shade and avoiding midday sun as much as possible, or protecting the face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Dr. Goodkin can recommend sunscreens which will be effective and non-irritating.

Other common rosacea triggers include stress, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, or irritating products such as soaps or makeup. Dr. Goodkin can help you identify triggers in your life and may make recommendations for avoiding them, such as reducing the temperature of your bath or shower or managing your stress.

Skincare recommendations for those with rosacea include using gentle and mild products to cleanse the face and using lukewarm or cool water to avoid triggering redness. Dr. Goodkin will recommend suitable products and explain an at-home routine that is best for managing your rosacea and keeping your skin in good health.

Finally, Dr. Goodkin may prescribe medications or recommend professional treatments. Common medications for rosacea include topical treatments that work to reduce redness and pimples. Other treatment options include oral medications, such as oral antibiotics and vitamin A derivatives.

Who is a Candidate for Rosacea Treatment?

Patients who experience persistent or recurring rosacea symptoms should have their skin evaluated by a trusted dermatologist such as Dr. Goodkin. Professional treatment can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and self-esteem for patients, and prevent rosacea from worsening over time.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a rosacea treatment appointment with Dr. Goodkin, call 781.227.7977 or request your appointment through our online form.