Will Rosacea Go Away on Its Own?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the face. It can cause persistent redness in the middle of the face, seriously affecting self-confidence, and can also negatively affect your eyes. Today, our skin experts at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX are looking at everything you need to know about this condition, including whether it needs to be treated, and what triggers flare-ups.

Will Rosacea Go Away on Its Own?

No, rosacea will not go away on its own. If you are experiencing an outbreak, it may go into remission. However, this is not a guarantee. It is important that you seek treatment from a dermatologist; if it is left untreated for too long, it can cause permanent skin damage.

What Triggers Outbreaks?

There are several things that can trigger a rosacea outbreak. Some of the most common triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks. Additionally, an outbreak can occur if you are stressed, you use specific skincare products, you exercise vigorously, or you take certain medications. Sunlight, hairspray, and heat are other common triggers.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of an Outbreak?

To reduce the likelihood that your condition will flare up, you must first identify what triggers your flare-ups. To figure this out, you should keep a journal noting things you did, like competing in a local race, having a cup of coffee, or drinking a couple of beers while watching your favorite football team. Then, note any symptoms you are experiencing. You may discover that you can drink alcohol without exacerbating your condition, but you should only drink cool beverages.

You can also significantly reduce the risk of your condition recurring by wearing adequate sun protection daily and trying to stay cool. Furthermore, you will most likely benefit by sticking to an exercise regimen that rarely exceeds moderate intensity.

How Can This Condition Be Treated?

We will determine the best rosacea treatment method for you during your initial consultation. We offer several options, including an incredibly popular, FDA-approved treatment called microneedling. This safe and effective treatment is excellent for improving the tone of your skin if you are experiencing redness or other discoloration. It also can be used to treat other symptoms of this condition, including visible blood vessels.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?

It is essential that you meet with a dermatologist to verify that microneedling is appropriate for you. There are several factors that must be considered before we can confirm your candidacy. For example, you must be in fairly good health. You will not be able to receive this treatment if you suffer from a medical condition, like hemophilia, that will interfere with the treatment.

Additionally, you will not be able to undergo this treatment if you cannot follow all of the preparation and aftercare guidelines. It is worth noting that microneedling is highly effective for the treatment of other skin concerns, including wrinkles, freckles, acne outbreaks, sun spots, and enlarged pores. Furthermore, you may be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you are concerned about acne scars, stretch marks, and other types of scars.

What Preparation Steps Will I Need To Take?

We will advise you on everything you need to do before your microneedling session when you consult with us about your best rosacea treatment options. To be considered a good candidate for this treatment, your blood pressure should be normal. Therefore, you should not consume substances that can increase your blood pressure, like alcohol and tobacco products. Furthermore, your blood should be able to clot normally. You should avoid such pharmaceuticals as: 

• Fish oil supplements
• Garlic supplements
• Vitamin E supplements
• NSAIDs
• MAOIs
• Anticoagulants
• Ginkgo biloba supplements

It is also crucial that your skin is free from irritation when you arrive for your appointment. Therefore, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor diligently for two weeks before treatment. Additionally, you should avoid the use of any topical products, like depilatory creams, that may cause skin burning. Similarly, skincare products containing retinol and other potentially irritating ingredients must be avoided before treatment.

What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need To Follow?

Once your microneedling session is complete, you must protect the treated areas from the sun. If your face was treated, you should wear a brimmed hat outdoors and minimize the amount of time spent in direct sunlight in the middle of the day.

Additionally, you should wear an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Furthermore, you need to avoid heat exposure, strenuous exercise, and excessive sweating. You also need to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, and continue to steer clear of any products that can irritate the skin.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

You should not expect rosacea to go away on its own. If you experience an outbreak it may go into remission temporarily, however, it will come back. Leaving this condition untreated can eventually lead to permanent skin damage, so it is essential to talk to a dermatologist about your treatment options. If you suspect you suffer from this condition, find out how it can be treated with us at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX.