Flushing red with embarrassment can be endearing to some, but if you’re the one whose skin is turning bright red on a consistent basis, it’s not so amusing. Rosacea appears as red skin, sometimes with bumps throughout. It’s a chronic condition that some confuse for a rash, eczema or psoriasis if they don’t know the differences. Dr. Arsenault will be able to tell you if it’s truly rosacea and what you can do to improve it.
Rosacea and Frequent Causes: Why Does It Plague You?
Rosacea seems like a Catch-22. It embarrasses you to be seen with bright red skin, but embarrassment is one of the possible causes of a breakout, as well as nervousness and anger. Fluctuations in mood affect your blood vessels, and in some people, this results in bright red skin that doesn’t go away or at least takes a long time to go away.
Emotions aren’t the only cause of this condition, however. There’s what you ingest – spicy cuisine and hot beverages or foods are notorious causes – and exposing yourself to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Soaking in hot baths or sitting in a sauna, as well as perspiring during physical activity are other culprits. You might also experience this condition as a reaction to prescription medications and alcohol. Some people are simply more genetically prone to red patches on their skin.
What Can You Do to Minimize Rosacea?
Dr. Arsenault’s plan for treating rosacea is two-fold. First, she’ll determine the causes of your outbreaks with your help. This involves keeping a record of what you were eating, how you were feeling and what you were doing when you noticed a flare-up. Once you know what caused your red skin, you can try to reduce exposing yourself to those situations that may exacerbate your problem. On the one hand, rosacea is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable and could impact your self-confidence, so deciding whether or not continuing to engage in activities that contribute to it is up to you. Sometimes it may not be possible to reduce exposure to the causes, like when you notice hot weather plays a role but you live in a hot area of the country.
Dr. Arsenault’s second step then is to offer her services. Some prescription medications, lotions and ointments may improve your condition, as will in-office cosmetic procedures such as Sciton BBL.
Learning More About Rosacea in Florida
The Florida sun, humidity and hot weather can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you’re prone to rosacea. Dr. Arsenault has two locations in Florida in the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch areas, where you can get a consultation and go over the probable causes of your condition.
Because self-diagnosing yourself with rosacea is a bad idea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Arsenault today by phone or online. Don’t forget about her teledermatology services. Over video conferencing, she can diagnose and suggest treatment for your skin condition, so if you feel too busy to swing by in person, you can still get assistance.
