Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, swelling and vascular abnormalities, most commonly on the face, with varying degrees of severity. While it can occur at any age, Dr. Jaliman explained that rosacea commonly occurs in adults over age 50 and is three times more likely in women. Since there are many known triggers for rosacea - alcohol, spicy foods, ultraviolet light, heat and citric acid, for example - behavioral changes can help alleviate some of the symptoms. However, Dr. Jaliman noted that in most cases medications are necessary to treat rosacea.

"In the past, topical medications for rosacea were greasy and irritating, but now a new wave of topicals has been introduced that are lightweight and easy on the skin," said Dr. Jaliman. "These new topicals include metronidazole and azeleic acid, and both are very effective for rosacea patients."

Since UV exposure is a common trigger for rosacea, Dr. Jaliman stressed the importance of daily sunscreen use. With the introduction of new sheer sunscreens, Dr. Jaliman said that rosacea patients are more likely to use them because they are not greasy and are less likely to further irritate inflamed skin. "I find that the sunscreens that contain physical sunblocks, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work best for rosacea patients rather than chemically based sunscreens."

Leg Veins Can Develop at Any Age

The appearance of two common types of leg veins - spider veins and varicose veins - can develop at almost any age. While they often appear over time and typically affect those who are older, Dr. Jaliman noted that even people in their 20s can get spider or varicose veins. While both types of leg veins are genetic, there are differences in who is more prone to them and how they are treated.

Spider veins, also referred to as roadmap veins, are very tiny superficial blood vessels that increase in size over time. Those who are more susceptible to spider veins include women, women who are pregnant, and people who are on their feet regularly in their jobs.

"While spider veins can be unattractive and cause embarrassment for people, they are not painful and are very treatable," said Dr. Jaliman. "Sclerotherapy, in which a sclerosing agent is injected into clusters of spider veins with very fine needles, is the gold standard for treating spider veins and dissolves the veins permanently in most cases in only two to three treatments. Lasers also are being used to treat spider veins, and your dermatologist will recommend the best treatment depending on the size of the vessels."

Varicose veins are larger, dilated blood vessels that can be raised above the skin's surface and occur from a malfunction of the valve. Those with a blood relative with varicose veins are more likely to develop them and being overweight can worsen the problem by putting more pressure on the veins. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins can cause the legs to feel sore or tired. Dr. Jaliman noted that new endovascular lasers are being used successfully to treat varicose veins. With this procedure, the small tip of the laser creates a small nick in the vein and is inserted to completely dissolve the vein.

"Endovascular lasers are highly safe and effective in treating varicose veins and only one procedure is needed to dissolve the veins," said Dr. Jaliman. "In most cases, patients can go back to work the next day with minimal discomfort, which is quite different from invasive procedures in the past that were performed in hospitals."

Regardless of age, Dr. Jaliman added that people who notice any unusual changes in their skin, hair or nails should see their dermatologist.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology