Acne and rosacea are two unique skin conditions. At Beacon Dermatology in Asheville, North Carolina, board-certified dermatologist Michael Rains, MD, FAAD, provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for patients with acne and rosacea. To learn more about acne and rosacea, call Beacon Dermatology or book a consultation online today.

What is acne and rosacea?

Acne and rosacea are common skin conditions. Though you can have acne and rosacea at the same time, each skin condition requires individual treatment.

Acne

Acne causes blemishes on the skin when skin cells and bacteria get trapped in your pores. You can develop acne at any age, but it most often occurs during puberty because of the hormonal changes that increase your skin’s oil production.

Rosacea

Rosacea can be easily confused for acne, especially in adults. However, rosacea is a distinct common skin condition that typically requires a different treatment approach than common acne treatment options.

What are the different types of rosacea?

There are four types of rosacea:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR)

ETR is a type of rosacea that causes persistent central facial redness, flushing, or noticeable blood vessels (broken capillaries).

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR)

PPR causes acne-like breakouts (pimples without blackheads).

Ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea is redness, or inflammation, in the eye. It can often be accompanied by recurrent styes, or a gritty (sandpaper) sensation in the eyes.

Phymatous rosacea

Phytmatous rosacea is characterized by increased skin thickening, especially noticeable on the nose (rhinophyma).  This type of rosacea generally occurs in fair skin individuals in their 30-50s and those with a family history of rosacea.

There can be certain triggers that can worsen or cause rosacea flare-ups, including sunlight, spicy food, alcohol, hot beverages and foods, and stress. It’s important to seek an experienced dermatologist, like Dr. Rains, to help diagnose and treat rosacea effectively and to reduce future flares.

When should I seek dermatology care for acne and rosacea?

You can manage mild acne with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. However, it’s always beneficial to seek professional advice and dermatology care for your acne or rosacea. Even mild cases of acne can take time to clear up or cause acne scars. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that benefits from ongoing care.

At Beacon Dermatology, Dr. Rains takes a holistic approach to medicine, focusing on your overall skin health — not just your acne or rosacea. During your consultation, he listens intently to your skin concerns and goals, reviews your medical history, and examines your skin.

He then talks to you about your skin condition and your treatment options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What are the treatments for acne?

Dr. Rains customizes your acne treatment plan based on the severity of your skin condition and the type of acne you have. Your treatment plan may include topical creams, oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin (prescription oral medication) for severe acne.

Beacon Dermatology also specializes in cosmetic dermatology, and you may benefit from laser treatment or facial peels to clear up your acne or acne scars, improving the look of your skin.

What are the treatments for rosacea?

A good at-home skin care regimen is the primary treatment for rosacea. Dr. Rains spends time talking to you about how to care for your skin, recommending gentle cleansers and daily use of sunscreen to reduce your risk of flare-ups. Dr. Rains may prescribe medication to manage flare-ups or acne, or offer laser treatment to reduce redness from rosacea.

With the right treatment plan, you can manage your acne and rosacea. For expert care from a premier practice, call the Beacon Dermatology office or book an appointment online today.