A Self Care Guide for Rosacea With Matt Francom, PA-C

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects more than 16 million Americans. For many people, rosacea causes more than just facial flushing and redness. Rosacea symptoms can include acne-like bumps, eye irritation, and thickened skin. Although there’s no consensus on what causes rosacea, treatments are improving. Matt Francom is a Dermatology Physician Assistant who’s passionate about helping patients identify and manage rosacea. Here are some tips from Matt on recognizing rosacea and handling flare-ups.

What Does Rosacea Look and Feel Like?

“When it's mild, rosacea looks like you’re constantly blushing,” says Matt Francom. “More severe symptoms can distort your features causing swelling, bumps, pustules, or even a bulbous nose called rhinophyma (frequently in men).” Rosacea can feel warm or rough, like a dry patch of skin.

People with Scandinavian/ European roots often have rosacea. About half of rosacea cases affect the eyelids, causing redness and a swollen appearance. Women in their 40’s and 50’s are the biggest demographic to develop rosacea.

Mistaking Rosacea as Something Else

One of the challenges with rosacea is when people suspect it's something else. For example, you might mistake the red bumps as acne and use exfoliants like salicylic acid over the rosacea. Those exfoliants will make rosacea worse because it needs to be managed delicately.

Rosacea also tends to be mistaken as an allergic reaction, a sunburn, or a naturally ruddy complexion. If you have patchy redness, bumps, swelling, or itching of the face, visit a dermatology provider for a proper diagnosis.

Tip 1: Know Your Triggers

Some of the most popular rosacea triggers are spicy food, alcohol, heat or cold, wind chill, stress, and some skincare. “I’m predisposed to rosacea and know one of my biggest triggers is spicy food. I tell my patients to keep a journal and record every flare up to help them pinpoint what’s causing it.” says Francom.

Tip 2: Use Gentle Skincare and Sunscreen

A 2018 study by the National Rosacea Society showed that sun exposure is the top trigger for flare ups. Protect your skin from the sun by using SPF 30 sunscreen every day, and hats when there’s a lot of sunlight. Matt adds, "People with rosacea need fragrance-free skincare and might want to try mineral based makeup." These gentler products help to reduce flare-ups as well.

Tip 3: Get Professional Help for Rosacea

While there’s no cure for rosacea, treatments are becoming more tailored. Topical medication, like creams, lotions, and gels, as well as oral medication may help reduce inflammation and redness. “If you’re experiencing bumps and breakouts with rosacea, topical and oral antibiotics come into play,” says Francom.

Metronidazole and Ivermectin are topical antimicrobial/antibacterial medications that are very good at managing inflammation. Azelaic acid can also help with the redness. “Another topical solution is brimonidine, which constricts the blood vessels that makes the redness go away immediately,” says Francom. “It’s not ideal for the underlying problem but if you need a day’s worth of clear skin, it’s a good option.”

On the more aggressive side, oral medication such as doxycycline (a tetracycline antibiotic) in low doses can be safe to use long-term. Severe cases of rosacea can also be managed with Accutane, a vitamin A derivative. If flare-ups affect your quality of life, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatology specialist.

Matt Francom PA-C is a dermatology physician assistant who practices at Ogden Clinic West Point. Click here to schedule a visit with him.