Am I at greater risk for skin cancer if I have Rosacea?

With a skin condition like Rosacea, it's normal to also worry whether we're more vulnerable to things like skin cancer. 

I have been living with Rosacea for the last 13 years. I also have fair skin and have gotten more sunburns throughout my life than I can count, including one that blistered when I was 7 years old.

I just watched a video from the American Academy of Dermatology that said 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime. Those statistics feel a little daunting. Am I at greater risk for getting skin cancer because I also have Rosacea?

Is there a connection between rosacea and skin cancer?

According to skincancer.org, living with Rosacea (or other types of skin diseases) does not necessarily mean you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. So you can let out a big sigh of relief.

Something to keep in mind though, is that if you have certain skin conditions, like Rosacea, it can make skin cancer harder to identify. 

For example, (from skincancer.org), just as Rosacea can appear as red patches on the skin, so can certain forms of skin cancer and it can be a little hard to distinguish between the two, without having your skin checked closely by a licensed dermatologist.

I hope it's a relief to know that just because you have Rosacea, does not mean you are more likely to get skin cancer. 

Just so we're covering all our bases, let's take a look at what the risk factors are that contribute to getting skin cancer.

Risk Factors for getting Skin Cancer

source: CDC.org

• Exposure to UV rays
• Older in age
• Skin color that is naturally lighter
• Skin that gets burned, freckled, gets red easily or becomes painful when in the sun
• Eyes that are green or blue
• Natural red or blond hair
• Moles that are of a certain type or large number
• Skin cancer in your family history
• You have had skin cancer before

Rosacea aside, if you are someone like me, who has fair skin, blue eyes, blond hair, and is just on the other side of 50, you might be at a higher risk of getting skin cancer. 

We can't change what we did in the past, but we can start doing better today.

Learn more in this post, about what's covered in a full body cancer screening 

And here's a beach day check list you may find helpful, so you can enjoy being outside, without the worry of getting sun damage.

Do you have any favorite tips or products that help you stay safe in the sun? Let us know in the comments below!

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Pictured here, with my favorite Rosacea friendly Vanicream gentle cleanser. 

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Is a Rosacea Skin Exam the same as an Annual Skin Exam?

We recently posted about why it's important to have a Yearly Roscea Skin Exam, but what about the other type of Skin Exam you're supposed to have each year, that includes your whole body? 

Is it the same thing?

Is a Yearly Rosacea Skin Exam the same as an Annual Skin Exam?

An annual Rosacea skin exam is different than a Full Body Skin Exam.

A Yearly Rosacea Skin Exam is a type of annual follow-up exam that helps you manage your skin condition with the help of a licensed dermatologist. 

An annual Full Body Skin Exam (also known as a Skin Cancer Screening and Melanoma Screening) is very important to schedule as well. This full-body skin check, will include screening your entire body for possible pre-cancerous spots or lesions, including your scalp, behind your ears, and other hard-to-see places, all the way down to your toes. 

Can I have my Rosacea skin exam and yearly skin exam at the same time?

Unfortunately, due to the way insurance is billed, both a rosacea skin exam and an annual full body skin exam usually cannot be done on the same visit. Sometimes they will allow you to refill existing medications but not discuss new methods for treating your rosacea. Check with your Dermatologist to find out their specific policies.

Types of things covered in a Rosacea Skin Exam

• Your Dermatologist will ask you how your skin is doing and whether you have noticed any changes. 
• He or she may also perform an examination of your face by looking through a magnifying tool.  
• Throughout your discussion your doctor will determine whether the current rosacea medication you are using is working and can renew those medications during your visit.
• If you are curious about other treatment options or have other questions about Rosacea, now is the time to ask those questions. 

Types of things covered in a Full Body Skin Exam

• You will need to prepare to undress, down to your underwear, and wear the robe they provide. 
• Your dermatologist will examine your skin closely, using a magnifying tool, looking for any spots of concern, starting at your scalp and ending with your toes. *Make sure to let them know if there are any spots you are concerned about.
• If there are any concerning spots, your dermatologist may do a skin biopsy which involves numbing the skin and removing a small sample to send to the lab.
• If your sample comes back as cancerous, you will be notified and come back to discuss next steps.

Click here for more about  What to expect during a full body skin exam 

It's important to schedule your yearly rosacea skin exam and your yearly full body skin exam and cancer screening, to ensure you are doing all you can to manage your rosacea so it doesn't get worse, and catch skin cancer in its earliest stages for the best outcomes.

And remember to use only the gentlest rosacea friendly products on your skin to keep your skin barrier healthy. 

Do you remember to schedule your Rosacea skin exam and full body skin exam each year?

Let us know in the comments below!

Do You Need a Rosacea Skin Exam Every Year? 4 Reasons to do it

Do you need to have a yearly skin exam if you have Rosacea?

In my experience, after being diagnosed with Rosacea back around 2009, there are

Top 4 Reasons to have a Yearly Rosacea Skin Exam:

1. To make sure any medications you are using are working and discuss different treatment options

2. To renew current medications

3. To discuss any changes to your skin regarding your rosacea

4. To prevent your Rosacea from getting worse, as can be the case if it is not treated or managed effectively.

Other Reasons it's important to have a yearly Rosacea skin exam:

• Since there is no cure for Rosacea, you need to look at this as any other medical condition you would need to continue treating throughout your life.

• There may be times when your Rosacea feels more "in control" than others, but just because your skin is clearer does not mean your rosacea is cured. Rosacea flares more readily due to things like stress, extreme temperatures, certain foods, or other triggers specific to you. 

• The truth is, you should schedule a Rosacea Skin Exam every year for the rest of your life to ensure you are staying on top of your condition and keeping your skin as healthy as you can.  

• You may not notice something on your skin that a trained skin care professional may see. 

• There may also be new options available to treat your Rosacea that you may not have heard of and a Dermatologist is the best source to get that type of information from.

 

The best skin care products to use for Rosacea

Just as important as having your Rosacea skin exam each year, is using the right products on your rosacea prone skin year round.

I have been using skin care products on my skin that have been recommended or approved by my dermatologist, and my skin has never looked better. 

I have been following this routine faithfully for many years and it has kept my skin clear and free from redness, irritation and most rosacea flares. I hope it can help you too!

 

My Rosacea Skin Care Routine 

Metronidazone Gel

I have been using Metronidazole Gel since I was diagnosed with Rosacea and it has helped keep my rosacea clear. It is only available by prescription and with insurance, is very reasonably priced. A single tube lasts me several months.

Vanicream Cleanser

This is my very favorite gentle cleanser. I have tried others like Eucerin Redness Relief cleanser and CeraVe gentle cleanser and this is my favorite. It cleans really well without making my skin dry or tight and doesn't irritate my skin at all. It is very creamy and gentle. I use it ever day.

Soft flannel Fairface Washcloths

These are the ONLY washcloths I will use on my face! I noticed a difference right away when I stopped using regular terrycloth washcloths and switched to these soft flannel face cloths. There is absolutely no redness or irritation. They are soft and gentle to my skin. Highly recommend! 

 

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

I used to use Vanicream lite lotion, but found it didn't give me quite enough moisture. When I switched to CeraVe's moisturizing cream I couldn't believe the difference. My skin felt much softer and it was very moisturizing and healing to my skin. This is the only moisturizer I will use on my face.

Eucerin Daily SPF 30

Using sunscreen every day to protect rosacea prone skin is vital to keeping it healthy. I have been using Eucerin's Daily SPF 30 for years. It is the perfect light weight consistency. It goes on smoothly and disappears into my skin.  I use foundation over it once it has dried and it goes on smoothly. This is my daily go-to face SPF.

Taking care of your Rosacea prone skin doesn't have to be complicated 

If you follow these simple guidelines to have a Rosacea Skin Exam every year and use gentle products to keep you skin barrier healthy year round, you will find your Rosacea prone skin stays clear and is easier to manage than you thought.

Make your Rosacea skin exam today and stock up on these gentle skin care products to jump start your healthy skin care routine today!