Rosacea is a very common skin condition estimated to affect anywhere from 5-10% of all Americans. All rosacea is not the same; there are actually four subtypes of rosacea and treatment can depend on the subtype. At Precision Medical Specialists, our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Katherine Chiang, offers an accurate diagnosis and rosacea treatment at our state-of-the-art medical facility in Wellington, Florida.
What Is Rosacea?
People with rosacea tend to have skin that flushes or blushes easier. Rosacea is a redness of the skin, usually on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, but it can also spread to the back, chest and ears. It is estimated that about 14 million Americans have rosacea. It is most common in fair-skinned people, and females are more prone to the disease than males. It can occur in people of all ages, but the most common age group is between 30 and 50 years of age.
The Four Subtypes of Rosacea
The first step in beginning an effective rosacea treatment is determining the subtype. Dr. Chiang has had extensive training and education. She is an Ivy-League educated dermatologist who trained at one of the best medical centers in the country, The Cleveland Clinic. She can quickly identify the subtype of rosacea and begin a customized treatment plan to manage symptoms. The four common rosacea subtypes are:
- Subtype 1 is called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, and is characterized by persistent facial redness and flushing.
- Subtype 2 is called papulopustular rosacea, and is characterized by acne-like bumps and pimples.
- Subtype 3 is called phymatous rosacea, and is characterized by skin thickening and enlargement, frequently around the nose.
- Subtype 4 is called ocular rosacea, and is characterized by eye symptoms that include dryness, itching, burning, blurred vision, foreign body sensation and even a watery/bloodshot appearance.
Treatment for rosacea depends on the subtype and can include diet modification, skincare modification, prescription face wash, topical creams, oral antibiotics, laser treatment and even surgery. Dr. Chiang personalizes every treatment plan to the patient to find the best therapies to give them relief from their specific symptoms.
At Precision Medical Specialists, we serve patients from the following cities: Palm Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. If you have symptoms of rosacea, treatment is available at our medical center in Wellington. Contact our facility to schedule a rosacea consultation with Dr. Chiang today.