Rosacea Treatment in San Francisco, CA

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About Rosacea

Rosacea is a recurring skin disease that commonly appears on the face but can manifest itself in other places on the body. Rosacea causes redness, flushing, and inflammation to arise on the skin's surface. There are several forms of rosacea, including papulopustular rosacea, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, ocular rosacea, and phymatous rosacea. All present themselves differently and have different treatment options. At Bay Area Dermatology in San Francisco, our team of skin care professionals, including board-certified dermatologists, a physician’s assistant, registered nurses, and estheticians, help patients diagnose and treat rosacea. We use the most advanced pulsed dye lasers - the Syneron Candela Vbeam Perfecta and the Cutera Excel V - to effectively address the signs of rosacea.

Symptoms of rosacea can vary from mild to severe. The tell-tale sign of rosacea is facial redness. In most patients, the central portion of the face is noticeably red. The small blood vessels of the nose and cheeks can swell and become visible. Other symptoms include red and swollen bumps on the face that look similar to acne. Sometimes the bumps are pus-filled. The skin can also feel hot and tender to the touch. Approximately half of rosacea sufferers have eye problems, such as eye irritation, dryness and reddened, swollen eyelids. In rare cases, a patient’s nose will appear enlarged because rosacea can cause the skin of the nose to thicken, which results in a bulbous appearance. Some common symptoms associated with the varying types of rosacea include:

  • Papulopustular rosacea: Common symptoms include redness and swollen areas on the face that look like acne-like breakouts.
  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Common symptoms include visible blood vessels along with a red and flushed appearance.
  • Ocular rosacea: Common symptoms include red and irritated eyes and swollen eyelids.
  • Phymatous rosacea: Common symptoms include thickened skin with a bumpy texture.

Best Candidates

While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, doctors believe that it’s caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. People of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry seem to have a higher incidence of rosacea. Patients usually have other family members that suffer from either rosacea or severe acne. People who are prone to have bad acne have a higher risk of developing rosacea. Scientists also believe that immune system overreactions can cause rosacea where a patient’s immune system overreacts to a certain bacterium. 

I have been to many dermatologists in the Bay Area and only since under Dr. Austin’s care have I had incredible results. She has been able to effectively treat my post pregnancy case of severe rosacea (5 other derms could not!), accumulated sun damage and sun cancer prevention. I am so grateful. If you are struggling with any skin condition, I know Dr. Austin and team will be able to help. They are amazing!!

O.S. Yelp

Dr Austin took my decent mid-50's skin and flagging self-esteem and made them really, really great. She flawlessly filled old acne scars, removed pre-cancer bits and rosacea, smoothed wrinkles, snatched up my jawline and explained how anatomy and biochem work during my visits. She's made a long-term plan for me and all her patients that seem like the minimum of highly effective things, so we all look startlingly better but still believable and healthy. Dr Austin is gentle, rational and super trustworthy. She's like a wizard. Her team is awesome, too.

K.K. Google

I have complete confidence in Dr Welsh. She has treated me for around 10 years, cleared up my rosacea, removed several pre-cancerous growths and advised me on a number of treatments and procedures that have improved my appearance and the health of my skin considerably. I really like her products and take her advise on all skin issues.

R.F. Google

I’ve been a SFBAD patient for more than seven years and have received superb medical and cosmetic dermatology care for several conditions, including rosacea, sun damage, actinic keratosis, and plain old aging skin. Dr. Austin, Dr. Welsh, Nurse Katie, Concierge Julie, and other staff members are a gift. Thanks to their expertise, I look a whole lot better now. And thanks to their eagle eyes and careful follow-up, I am healthier. I am so grateful!

M.G. Yelp

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Austin for nearly 10 years and she is the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She has miraculously healed my rosacea which I have struggled with forever. She’s also fantastic with Botox - undetectable and completely natural looking. She really listens to her patients which hasn’t always been my experience elsewhere. 10/10!

L.C. Yelp

49

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

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What to Expect

Though there is no cure for rosacea, there are a number of treatment options available, including antibiotics to help with inflammation. Medication is available in a pill form or as a cream, lotion or gel. Our office compounds and dispenses high-quality prescription strength topical gels that effectively combat the symptoms of rosacea. Laser treatments with the Syneron Candela Vbeam Perfecta laser can be used to reduce the appearance of blood vessels and redness around the nose to improve the appearance of rosacea. Typically a series of four to six treatments spaced about four weeks apart are necessary to see best results. Since rosacea is a recurring condition, follow up laser treatments may be required every few months to prevent and treat redness and blood vessels. Our Hydrafacial MD and SilkPeel microdermabrasion treatments are another option using a brush-like tool to exfoliate the top layers of skin.

Other Considerations

The severity of the condition can vary and may mimic the symptoms of acne or allergic reactions, but rosacea should be diagnosed and treated properly. With a number of different options available to control and reduce the appearance and symptoms, patients will have greater success if their treatment is customized to their needs. There are a large number of factors that can aggravate rosacea since they increase the blood flow to the surface of the skin. These can include alcohol, spicy foods, hot foods or beverages, sunlight, extreme temperatures, hot baths or showers, stress, embarrassment or anger, strenuous exercise, and certain medications.

About Us

CONTROL YOUR ROSACEA

Rosacea not only has physical symptoms but emotional ones as well. Patients with rosacea may be self-conscious in public and avoids social situations. If you believe you have rosacea, please call our dermatology office to schedule a consultation so that you can put your best face forward today. Our exceptional team offers cutting-edge of treatments that can give you better skin.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.