Rosacea is a common skin condition. It is often mistaken for a rash, windburn, sunburn or even extreme blushing. While anyone can experience rosacea, it is most commonly diagnosed in women, between the ages of 30 and 50. Typical treatments for rosacea include using sunscreen and moisturizers, as well as antibiotics and antiseptic cleaners to treat symptoms. These treatments may help patients manage flare-ups, and mitigate symptoms, but many rosacea sufferers are now finding relief with laser therapy.
Around 16 million Americans are thought to have rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society. More women are diagnosed with the disorder, but men frequently experience more severe symptoms. People with fair skin and who are of particular ancestries like Scottish, Irish or Scandinavian, are also more inclined to be diagnosed that people with other skin types and lineages.
Rosacea has four subtypes. The most common is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. It’s most recognizable with telltale signs of redness, flushing, swollen blood vessels on the nose and cheeks that are visible under the skin. This type typically appears on the face, but also can also affect other areas like the neck and back. Sufferers also report the feeling of burning skin, facial skin dryness, and swelling of the face. With other types of rosacea, patients experience acne-like pustules and bumps. Rosacea can even impact the eyes, causing redness of the eye and swelling of the eyelids. In some cases, it can even cause thickened skin to form on the nose and make the nose appear larger or bulbous. Sufferers can experience symptoms of one type or all types, simultaneously.
The cause of rosacea is currently unknown. One theory about why people develop the condition is family history. Patients with relatives with rosacea are likely to develop the disorder. Another theory includes the body’s immune response to the bacterium, bacillus oleronus. Some research also suggestions a connection to skin mites, as well as h. pylori bacterial infections. Some research suggests that some rosacea sufferers have an inability to process a certain protein, cathlecidin, which serves to protect the skin from infection. Environmental impacts and diet have also been thought to trigger rosacea flare-ups.
Symptoms of rosacea worsen gradually. Because of this, early intervention is suggested to control the condition. Patients are often encouraged to use mild cleansers, and avoid scrubs or other abrasive treatments. Topical treatments and oral medications may be given to manage bumps and pustules. Rosacea sufferers should also use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
Rosacea can make some people self-conscious or embarrassed because of their red appearance. Makeup and other cosmetics can be used to reduce redness temporarily, but a modern laser treatment popularly known as a photo facial is giving patients long-lasting results and bringing back their confidence.
Dr. Mayli Davis, M.D., is a cosmetic surgeon who uses laser light therapy photo facials to treat rosacea and other skin conditions in her Colleyville, Texas, practice. “We use laser light therapy, or photo facial, to treat patients with redness caused by rosacea. It is also beneficial for patients with sun or age spots, freckles, acne scars or any other discolorations of the skin.”
Laser photo facial directs an intense pulse of laser light, referred to as IPL, onto the area affected by rosacea. This intense light targets inflammation in the blood vessel lining, causing the vessel to constrict or collapse and become less visible. Collagen production also increases as a result of laser treatment, and patients who suffer from skin thickening of the nose as a result of rosacea can even see a reduction in skin thickness. “Patients see a noticeable improvement in their appearance with just a few treatments,” say Davis.
Laser treatment therapy for rosacea usually requires four to eight treatments, spaced out over weeks or months. Many patients see results that last several months to a year as a result of laser therapy.
