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Recent Questions
- I have been treated for rosacea for one year. Recently my scalp has started to itch, and I was wondering if this could be related to my rosacea?
- It seems lots of things can cause a flare-up, including exercise and a variety of foods. Does avoiding triggers mean rosacea sufferers can't maintain a healthy lifestyle?
- Is there a connection between rosacea and perimenopause? At about the same time I was diagnosed with ocular rosacea I noticed that I started to feel hot often. I am 47 and assume the hot flashes are due to perimenopause.
- I have bronze skin, and where I live is always hot. Even though I always use sunscreen (SPF 50) on my face, redness still appears on my cheeks. What advice can you give me?
- Ask the Doctors Archive »
Have a question about rosacea?
Leading dermatologists, ophthalmologists, researchers and others will answer questions about this chronic but treatable condition. New questions are answered every month, so be sure to check back regularly.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Q I feel extremely worried and depressed about my appearance, and don't know what to do. I think I have rosacea because my nose has changed color or it looks red and irritated, and it's swollen in the mornings.
AResponse from Dr. Ted Grossbart, assistant clinical professor of psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University and author of Skin Deep: A Mind-Body Approach to Healthy Skin:
You are not alone in your distress. In addition to its physical signs and symptoms, one of the most serious consequences of rosacea may be the emotional anguish that comes from its effects on personal appearance.
A key first step is to seek medical help and consult a dermatologist, who can determine whether you have rosacea and prescribe or recommend appropriate therapy. While rosacea has no cure, treatments are available to control or eradicate its signs and symptoms. The effects of rosacea on appearance can be further minimized with lifestyle changes, proper skin care and cosmetics.
It's also important to keep personal appearance in proper perspective, and to obtain psychological help if needed. Emotional stress itself is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups in many patients. Facing the disorder armed with the knowledge, coping skills and therapy to bring it under control will help to break the cycle of emotional distress from rosacea that may contribute to continued flare-ups.
About Ask the Doctors
To submit a question, use the "Ask a Question" box above. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered. In some cases, similar questions may receive a combined answer.
All medical information in “Ask the Doctors” has been provided by experts. However, the information posted here by Ask the Doctors contributors should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a physician. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and diagnosis and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case.
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