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. 

Dr. Austin and team have worked with me on my rosacea and severe keloid scarring for several years. These are skin and body issues that other doctors cannot and will not treat.  This clinic specializes in full service patient care. Meaning your medical issue will be addressed as well as the problem that may be causing it. And they work towards restorative care after the treatment. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my skin needs. If you need basic, cosmetic, or restorative skin care - this is where you need to be! I am leaving this review because people suffering from severe skin issues will need guidance on where to go. And we need this kind of expertise and medical care in the Bay Area.

I.K. Yelp

This review is long overdue! Dr. Austin is incredible at treating rosacea!! Dr. Austin has been life changing for me and my skin. I found her online from searching frantically for someone for years in the Bay who had experience working with rosacea. Rosacea started for me in my early 30s, what felt like out of no where during grad school. After trying many other things, including strictly cutting out foods that were irritating I was still having intense rosacea breakouts. Dr. Austin took pictures, explained what was happening and we went over my skin routine. I learned how there are different types of rosacea, she explained what can irritate it (which can include natural oils!) and then she gave me a very specific skin care routine with products. I saw results almost immediately after using sticking to the topical routine. I recently saw her after 3 years of sticking to my regimen and my skin has greatly improved. I flare maybe a few times a year with stress but it will usually go away that day with combo ointment meant for rosacea. I have even seen lines on my forehead go away with one of the topicals, an added bonus! She is also very encouraging, has a warm bedside manner. If you have been dealing with skin issues and the confidence behind that look no further, Dr. Austin is worth it!

K.P. Yelp

Dr. Austin and the wonderful team at BACD changed my life. I have always had eczema, but it was manageable. During the pandemic, I had a severe flare that covered my whole body and was so painful. It would not go away, and persisted for over a year. My old treatments did not work. I went to see Dr. Austin who took action, made a plan, and supported me throughout the treatment. Within 6 weeks, my skin was clear and has stayed that way. I am pain free. Now, she is helping me look and feel my best. BACD puts patients first. They support you with medical expertise and true care. Highly recommend!

S.S. Yelp

I’ve been going to Dr. Welsh for 7+ years. I receive exceptional treatment. Her team, particularly Katie McCormick, is the best. I go to Dr.Welsh for general dermatology, rosacea treatment, and overall skin wellness.

T.T. Google

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

45

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.

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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.