If you have facial redness that refuses to go away, it can affect your life in many ways. Along with affecting your confidence, facial redness can be a symptom of many different skin conditions. Your team at Krauss Dermatology specializes in diagnosing and treating skin concerns, including those that make your face look red.
What Causes Facial Redness?
Facial redness may have many causes. You may see redness because of visible blood vessels in your skin, inflammation that brings increased blood flow to the area, and many types of irritants. In some cases, your skin is red and irritated due to problems with its natural barriers or allergic reactions to your skin and hair products. Only a consultation and examination will allow your dermatologist to diagnose your cause or causes.
Acne, Rosacea, and Eczema: Identifying and Treating Facial Redness
Our dermatologists see many causes of facial redness, but these three are among the most common. Acne, rosacea, and eczema have different causes and symptoms, but all can include redness as a noticeable problem.
Facial Redness From Acne
Most of us are familiar with acne, whether we experienced adolescent breakouts or still struggle with it as adults. Acne occurs when dead skin cells, oil, and debris block the pores. Redness typically occurs when these blocked pores become the home for bacteria that cause inflammation, pimples, white heads, black heads, cysts and even scarring.
Treating the redness from acne typically begins with topical products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, followed by more intensive topical treatments such as retinoids. With severe or treatment-resistant acne, your dermatologist may prescribe oral medications such as antibiotics or oral retinoids like Accutane. Some people may see benefits from adding treatments such as glycolic chemical peels. In addition to medical treatment, cosmetic laser treatments with the Vbeam vascular laser can help redness left by resolving acne lesions.
Facial Redness From Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, acne-like bumps, sensitivity, and swelling. It can flare in response to triggers ranging from sun and heat exposure to alcohol to spicy foods. Since it can be nearly impossible to avoid all possible triggers, treatment can be very beneficial.
First-line treatments often include an oral antibiotic combined with a prescription topical medication. Laser treatments such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and the VBeam laser can also improve these symptoms but are best performed once the acne is under better control. Learning and avoiding your personal triggers is also an important part of your treatment.
Facial Redness From Eczema and Allergies
The primary symptom of eczema is inflammation, which can lead to redness, itchiness, and sensitivity. People with eczema may not be able to maintain their skin’s natural barrier, allowing more irritants to enter. While it tends to run in families, anyone can develop this condition, which is also known as dermatitis.
Eczema can be treated in several ways, including gentle skin care particularly moisturization, topical medications (both steroid and non-steroid), and even oral and injectable medication in severe cases. For those with dermatitis more due to contact allergies, a patch test to diagnose specific sensitivities can be performed if warranted.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about treating facial redness, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Krauss Dermatology. Call us at (781) 247-5593 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.