Ruddy Complexion May Be Rosacea

Ruddy Complexion May Be Rosacea
December 19, 2007
KTIV TV

Millions of Americans suffer from a skin disease called Rosacea. It's a condition that you can see all over your face.

Mark Callaway is undergoing a high tech laser treatment to improve his ruddy complexion.

Mark says, "I thought it was just rosy cheeks, or what most people might call it."

Doctors actually call it Rosacea. Dermatologist Janice Warner says it usually starts with simple redness in the center of the face, as people age blood vessels can become more prominent.

Dr. Warner says, "It's both an overgrowth of blood vessels as well as bacteria that gets into the skin."

Left untreated, the condition may worsen over time.

Dr. Warner says, "We may begin to see thickening of the skin with some enlargement of the oil glands and thickening of the nasal skin."

Sun exposure can aggravate Rosacea. Patients are warned to wear a high number SPF with UVA protection, and avoid spicy food, alcohol, and extreme temperatures.

Prescription topical ointments and oral antibiotics may help. Laser treatments may also be an option. They not only reduce the visibility of enlarged blood vessels, but they can help skin look younger, as well.

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