Rosacea shouldn't be taken lightly. It is a chronic disease that affects the facial skin of adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is most common in fair-skinned women.

Rosacea usually starts with a tendency to flush or blush easily, followed by a more persistent redness of the center of the face. As the disease worsens, enlarged blood vessels become visible and pimples develop in the reddened areas. Smoking, alcoholic drinks, caffeine or spicy foods, stress, excessive exposure to heat or cold, and sunlight are all possible rosacea triggers.

Treatment includes limiting time in the sunlight and protecting your face with a broad-brimmed hat and high SPF sunscreens and using prescribed topical and oral medications.

Eczema refers to a group of common skin diseases that are characterized by rough, red patches of skin that itch. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, can start at any time of life, and is often worse in cold months .

One common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which tends to run in families that are affected by allergies, hayfever and/or asthma.

Eczema cannot be cured, but can be managed using a variety of topical medications. For more severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy and oral medicines can be used. It is also important to keep the skin well moisturized, take brief daily lukewarm baths or showers, use gentle soaps or non-soap cleansers.

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious disease that causes the over production of skin cells. Normally, skin cells have a life cycle of 30 days. In psoriasis, the cycle is reduced to three or four days. Severity can range from a few dry, red patches with silvery scales numerous red, scaly patches covering most of the body.

Conditions that may cause flare-ups include skin injuries or infections, stress, changes in climate, certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, strep throat, and being overweight. Psoriasis commonly worsens in the dry winter months.

Treatment is often individualized depending on age and may include creams containing cortisone, salicylic acid or a vitamin D-related compound, ultraviolet light, or oral medications.  

Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These links are here for general information only, and should not be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions, please contact UI Health Access.

Back to top