Rosacea: From Redness to Relief 

Rosacea is a common skin condition, and the irritation and redness it causes can impact overall skin health and self-esteem for many patients. 

 

“Rosacea is more than just a little redness or a rash,” said Sarah Cross, PA-C, of WVU Medicine Plastic Surgery. “It’s a chronic skin condition that can flare up and cause inflammation and irritation.” 

 

While there’s no cure, there are treatments, lifestyle changes, and skincare practices that can help patients avoid and soothe flareups.  

 

Symptoms of rosacea include: 

• Redness and flushing of the skin, especially in the center of the face.
• Swollen bumps, blemishes, and pustules in the affected area.
• Irritated skin sensations like burning and stinging.
• Skin thickening around the nose and visible blood vessels. 

“We don’t know exactly what causes rosacea, but we know that it’s not contagious or caused by poor hygiene,” Cross said. “Stress, sun exposure, certain foods, temperature changes, and some skincare and cosmetic products can cause flare ups.” 

 

To combat the symptoms of a rosacea flare up, Cross recommends gentle, soothing skincare products and practices. 

 

“When I see a patient dealing with rosacea-prone skin and redness, the goal is to calm existing irritation, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier for long-term relief,” she said. “Medical-grade skincare can be effective here.” 

 

Ingredients like Piperonyl Glucoside and Palmitoyl glycine, which are designed to reduce redness and flushing; and Hyaluronic Acid, which can hydrate and soothe skin, can make a difference in the appearance of rosacea, according to Cross. 

 

“Navigating medical-grade skincare can feel overwhelming, especially for chronic issues like rosacea,” she said. “We offer in-office skincare consultation and redness relief treatments to help ensure rosacea and skin irritation doesn’t hold you back.” 

 

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