Sarasota Dermatology Blog

What could it be?

Do you get a flushed appearance on your face without exerting yourself? Do you have breakouts on your cheeks and nose although puberty is long gone? If so, you may suffer from a condition called Rosacea.  Rosacea is a common inflammatory disorder of the skin which can manifest itself in one of four ways.

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Vascular components such as Telangectasia (small dilated blood vessels just below the surface of the skin) and erythema (redness of the skin).
2. Papulopustular rosacea: The acne component of pustules and papules.
3. Phymatous rosacea: Irregular nodularities of the nose. The nose becomes thicken and enlarged. 
4. Occular rosacea: Inflammatory eye irritation.

 Who is at risk?

Those who are at greatest risk are those individuals who are fair skinned between 30 to 60 years of age.  However, the fact is that Rosacea can be found in all races, ages and ethnic groups.

Rosacea frequently causes the cheeks to have a flushed or red appearance. At first this redness may be intermitted and mimic other common skin disorders.  However, the longer Rosacea goes untreated, the higher the potential for permanent redness of the cheeks, nose and even the forehead.

What is the cause?

There cause of the disease remains somewhat elusive.  However, it is believed that the causes may be both hereditary and environmental in origin.  Symptoms can be controlled by medication and self care but this does not eliminate the disease.

 What can make my symptoms worse?

Extremes in weather, emotional stress, heavy exercise, and alcohol consumption. Spicy food and some cosmetics are also some of the most common triggers of this condition.

How is it treated?

Treatment for Rosacea is directed at the components that it displays. Certain topical antibiotics like metronidazole as well as azelaic acid can be used to reduce inflammation and redness. It may be necessary for long term use of topical antibiotics to prevent symptoms from recurring. The use of skin care products such as moisturizers, mild soaps, sunscreens and sun blocks that are effective against both UVA and UVB radiation have been effective in the improvement of the overall condition of your skin may also help reduce symptoms of your rosacea.  Oral antibiotics may also be given to patients because they tend to give faster relief than topical ones. Some of the most common prescribed oral antibiotics include Minocycline, tetracycline, and Doxycycline.  In addition, there are also laser treatments available to treat the redness and blood vessels caused by rosacea.  Speak to your dermatologist about the treatment options that will work best for you.

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May signifies the beginning of national skin cancer awareness month. There are over one million people diagnosed with some form of skin cancer yearly. This number is not expected to decline anytime soon.  In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers.  It is neither gender nor age specific.  It is however, one of the most preventable cancers as more than 90% of the cases are due to excessive exposure to the sun. 

 There are three common skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common. They are found in the upper layers of the skin.  They are highly preventable and highly curable although they can be disfiguring if left too long.   The third most serious skin cancer is Melanoma.  It too can be curable when caught early, but has the potential to be deadly when not.  Some melanomas are found in the upper layers of the skin, but many are more invasive and found in deeper layers.

 No one is immune from getting a skin cancer, though some are at greater risk. Those who are at a greater risk are:

• Individuals with a lighter skin tone.
• Individuals who have had a history of skin cancer.
• Individuals who have a family member with a history of skin cancer.
• Individuals who work or play sports outside.
• Individuals with a history of sunburns early in life.
• Individuals whose hobbies are outside.
• Individuals whose skin freckles, burns, or becomes red and painful in the sun.
• Individuals with blue or green eyes.
• Individuals with blond or red hair.

 You should examine your skin regularly for any suspicious spots.  Especially those that continue to grow, change in color or shape.  An annual skin examination by a licensed Dermatologist is also recommended.

 How do we examine our skin?

• A mirror or mirrors will be helpful as there are areas that are not easily visible.  Such as your back area.
• Starting with your head. Examine entire face. Include eyes, ears, nose and lips.
• Next check your neck, shoulders, abdomen and chest.  If you are female you may need to lift your breasts.
• Examine your fingers, hands, arms, nail beds and under your arms. Be sure to check between fingers and toes.
• The mirrors will not help you to examine your entire back, neck, buttocks, genital area.
• Examine the front and back of your legs, shins, ankles, toes and soles of your feet.
• Finally, part you hair in small sections and examine the scalp.

 What to look for:

• Any new growths or sores that bleed or do not heal after 2 to 3 months
• An irregularly colored spot whose border extends into surrounding skin 
• A growth that has a change in sensation — itchiness, tenderness, or pain
• A mole whose surface starts to scale, bleed or both.
• The appearance of a nodule or bump that may or may not grow rapidly

 Simple things we can do to protect our skin:

• Use of sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 30 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Put it on before leaving the house. Reapply frequently. 
• Wear clothing that protects exposed skin. Loose fitting clothing or beach cover-up.
• Wear a hat that covers face, neck and ears.  A canvas hat, works best. Avoid a baseball hat as it doesn’t provide protection for the skin on your neck or ears.  
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. This will help prevent cataracts in the future.
• During midday stay in shaded areas, avoiding midday sun. An umbrella or a shade tree can provide much needed shade.

 Most of us came to Florida to enjoy the tropical paradise.  Enjoy it safely by proper skin protection and yearly visits to your dermatologist.

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