Treatments for Rosacea are Looking Rosy

by

Dr. Marcus Crawford

Rosacea is a skin condition in which small blood vessels on the face break, resulting in redness, or a rosy appearance, to the cheeks and nose. Sun exposure can worsen this condition. Furthermore, those with light-colored hair, blue eyes, and fair skin are more prone to rosacea after sun exposure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this condition affects as many as 14 million Americans, mostly between the ages of 30 and 50. However, children may also suffer from rosacea. To prevent or reduce rosacea, sufferers should stay out of the sun as much as possible and use a heavy-duty sunblock on the face when they are outside (remember to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours!). In addition, plastic surgeons and dermatologists offer some medical options to reduce redness and improve the complexion.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment

This type of laser can treat a variety of symptoms associated with rosacea, including dilated blood vessels, persistent redness, flushing, and acne-like breakouts. In one study, a small group of patients were given a minimum of one and up to seven IPL treatments. After treatment:

83 percent of patients reported reduced redness

75 percent reported reduced flushing and better skin texture

64 percent reported a lower incidence of acne breakouts.

Side effects of IPL treatment may include discomfort, redness, bruising, and swelling at the treatment site.

Not all patients with rosacea are suitable candidates for IPL treatment. If you have a blood-clotting disorder, are prone to thick scars (keloids), or have insulin-dependent diabetes, this treatment is not recommended. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor, as certain conditions may prolong healing time after IPL treatment, and IPL treatment may increase your risk of infection. Additionally, if you have a deep tan or are pregnant, IPL may not be an optimal treatment option.

Chemical Peels

In some cases, mild glycolic-acid chemical peels at low acid concentrations (20 percent to 40 percent) may help reduce the appearance of rosacea. The chemical peel is applied for two to five minutes every two to four weeks. Side effects may include itching, stinging, or mild burning.

However, chemical peels must be performed only by a physician and with extreme care in cases of rosacea, because the skin is likely to be very sensitive to begin with. Additionally, chemical peels for treating rosacea are not recommended if you suffer from lupus or any similar autoimmune disorder, or have an active skin infection. As always, consult with your doctor before choosing this method to treat your rosacea.

It is very important to know that this condition can take on the appearance of severe acne, so be certain to get a proper diagnosis of rosacea from your dermatologist before embarking on any treatment. You may need several treatments to see an improvement. Check to see if your health insurance plan covers the cost of rosacea diagnosis and/or treatment. Once you have met with a qualified dermatologist and received a rosacea diagnosis, you can proceed with the appropriate course of treatment.

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Treatments for Rosacea are Looking Rosy