Millions of Americans suffer from a skin disease called rosacea, but there are things they can do to help the look and feel of this condition.
"I thought it was just rosy cheeks, or what most people might call it," said Mark Callaway, who has rosacea.
Callaway decided to use a high-tech laser treatment to improve his complexion.
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.
"It's both an overgrowth of blood vessels, as well as bacteria that gets into the skin," Warner explained.
If it is left untreated, the condition may worsen over time.
"We may begin to see thickening of the skin with some enlargement of the oil glands and thickening of the nasal skin," Warner said.
Sun exposure can aggravate rosacea. Patients are warned to wear a high number SPF sun block with UVA protection. The are also advised to avoid spicy food, alcohol and extreme temperatures.
Prescription topical ointments and oral antibiotics may help, and laser treatments may be an option. The laser treatments not only reduce the visibility of enlarged blood vessels, but they can help skin look younger, as well.
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