Why Do I Have Rosacea?

It’s estimated that rosacea affects about 16 million people in the United States, making it a common skin condition. Despite these statistics, you may wonder why you have rosacea. 

Here at Associated Skin Care Specialists, we understand your question and your frustration with the skin condition. Our experienced board-certified dermatologists want to share some of the factors that may have led to your rosacea. 

About your rosacea

The look of your skin is often used as a marker of health and beauty. Though millions of people suffer from various skin conditions, when it comes to rosacea you may wonder “why me” since it primarily affects the most visible skin on your body: your face. 

There are many types of rosacea and various symptoms. Typically, rosacea causes redness and visible blood vessels on your nose and cheeks. Your rosacea may also cause red bumps or pimples. 

Your rosacea may also cause the skin on your nose to thicken, creating a swollen and bulbous nose that may change your entire look. 

Though rosacea symptoms come and go, your flare-up may last weeks or months. 

Why you might have rosacea

Researchers are still trying to understand what causes someone to develop rosacea. Some researchers theorize that rosacea may be a symptom of a blood vessel disorder. Others think the skin condition may develop from skin mites or fungal infection. 

Though theories may provide you with some answers, there are certain risk factors that make you more vulnerable to developing rosacea, including:

• Family history of the skin condition
• Having light skin tone
• History of sun damage to your face
• Being over the age of 30
• Smoking

Rosacea also tends to be more common in women than in men. 

Though why you have rosacea isn’t always clear, there’s no reason you need to let rosacea dictate your life. With the right skincare routine, you can prevent or minimize flare-ups. 

Keeping your rosacea under control

Treatment for your rosacea may depend on your symptoms. To manage your flare-ups we prescribe topical and oral medications. 

For your visible blood vessels, we use the Cutera® excel® V laser system. The laser energy targets the pigments in your visible blood vessels. It then heats the blood vessel, which causes it to collapse and fade away over time. 

We also help you find your rosacea triggers. Rosacea tends to flare up when something causes extra blood to run to your faces, such as exercise, too much sun, or a change in weather. 

Once we know what triggers your rosacea, we can help you find ways to avoid or manage the triggers to reduce flare-ups. 

Though it’s not entirely clear why you have rosacea, we can create a plan that helps you control it. 

Call the office in Maple Grove, Fridley, Eden Prairie, or Coon Rapids, Minnesota, or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists.