Rosacea

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.