Question 1

What is rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea is a common skin disease. It causes facial redness, usually starting in the nose and cheek area. Rosacea can spread to the forehead and chin, and also beyond the face.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

Accepted Answer

While facial redness is the main sign of rosacea, there are four different subtypes, each with its own symptoms.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes skin redness and warmth along with prominent blood vessels around the nose and cheeks.

Papulopustular rosacea 
Papulopustular rosacea causes redness with pus-filled bumps, appearing similar to acne breakouts.

Phymatous rosacea 
Phymatous rosacea causes redness with significantly bumpy skin. Some people with phymatous rosacea develop rhinophyma, a condition in which the nose thickens, reddens, and takes on a bulbous appearance.

Ocular rosacea 
Ocular rosacea causes red eyes, often alongside eyelid swelling that may appear like a sty.

Sometimes one type of rosacea precedes another, for example, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can eventually worsen into phymatous rosacea.

Question 3

What causes rosacea?

Accepted Answer

The cause of rosacea isn’t known, however, research indicates that some factors that might contribute are:
Genetics
Immune system reactions
Intestinal infection (H. pylori bacteria)
Demodex skin mites
Cathelicidin, a protein that fights infections
Regardless of what causes rosacea, you can often identify certain triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups. Some of the most common rosacea triggers include:
Sun 
Wind exposure
Exercise
Spicy foods
Hot (temperature) beverages
Some hair or cosmetic products, like hair spray
Intense emotions
A complex combination of root causes and environmental triggers may be the reason for your rosacea flare-ups.

Question 4

How is rosacea treated?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea treatment depends on the type of the disease, your symptoms, and other individual aspects of your situation. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your life when you have rosacea. 
Based on your triggers and symptoms, the Central Utah Dermatology team recommends methods of trigger avoidance and symptom management. Wearing sunscreen, changing to a non-soap facial cleanser, and using fragrance-free products are a few examples of things that may help. 
Some of the most effective prescription treatments for rosacea symptoms include topical creams, light-based therapy, and oral medications. Your treatment plan might change over time if your rosacea type or symptoms change. 
Central Utah Dermatology has the dermatology expertise to treat rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin diseases with the most effective solutions. Call the nearest office or book a visit online today.

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of nail diseases?

Accepted Answer

Signs and symptoms of nail diseases vary depending on the underlying cause. Your fingernails and toenails are made up of a hardened protein called keratin. The purpose of your nails is to protect the skin at the tip of fingers and toes. 
Signs and symptoms that may indicate a nail disease include:
Dark (black, brown, or blue) streak under the nail
Nail lifting
Thickening of the nail
Nail discoloration
Crumbly nail
Redness or swelling around the nail
Pitting (dents in the nail)
Yellow nails
Deep grooves or ridges
Thin or spoon-shaped nails
Curved nails
Nail diseases are often a symptom of some other health conditions. For example, spoon-shaped nails may indicate a nutrient deficiency and yellow nails are a sign of lung disease.

Question 6

What are examples of nail diseases?

Accepted Answer

There are many types of nail diseases. Examples include:

Paronychia 
Paronychia is a nail infection. It may appear as redness and swelling at the tip of the nail (ingrown nail) or a greenish black color under the nail (bacterial infection)

Onychomycosis 
Onychomycosis is a nail fungal infection. This is a common nail problem that causes discoloration, nail thickening, and nail lifting.

Acral lentiginous melanoma 
Acral lentiginous melanoma is a type of melanoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer, that affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the nails. This type of nail disease may appear as a black streak under the nail.

Clubbing 
Clubbing is when the nail curves downward. Though clubbing is sometimes an inherited condition, it’s also a symptom of diseases that affect vital organs like the lungs, liver, or heart.

Question 7

What are the treatments for nail diseases?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for nail diseases depends on the cause. The team at Central Utah Dermatology conducts thorough evaluations when you come in with concerns about the health of your nails to determine the underlying disease so you get the most effective treatment.
Treatment for nail diseases may include lifestyle modifications, medications to clear up an infection, or removal of the nail. If the team suspects your nail condition is a sign of some other health issue (lung disease or liver disease), they refer you to your primary care provider (PCP) for further treatment.
Your nails tell you a lot about your health. To find out if your abnormal nail is a nail disease, call the nearest Central Utah Dermatology office or book a visit online today.

Rosacea

Frequently asked questions