Redness and Rosacea

Rosacea

 

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Rosacea is a common and chronic skin condition known for triggering facial redness. Blushing or facial flushing is an early sign of rosacea, with the skin condition often spreading from the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin and potentially on to the ears, chest and back. Small bumps or pimples are also possible.

 

Triggers for rosacea include:

• sun and wind exposure

• temperature fluctuations

• exercise

• stress

• certain foods

• alcohol

 

There is a higher occurrence of rosacea in descendants from Scandinavian or Celtic backgrounds and those with fair-skin, light hair, and blue eyes.  

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Types of Rosacea

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There are four types of rosacea, each with its own variation of symptoms. Some people have more than one type.

 

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

• Blushing and flushing combined with broken blood vessels

• Swollen, sensitive, stinging or burning skin

• Dry, rough skin

 

Papulopustular Rosacea

• Oily skin with intermittent acne-like breakouts

• Sensitive, burning or stinging skin

 

Phymatous Rosacea

This rare subtype is usually preceded by another kind and causes:

• Bumpy and thickened skin—especially on the nose (called rhinophyma) 

• Large pores with oily skin

• Broken blood vessels 

 

Ocular Rosacea

When rosacea forms in the eyes, it can cause:

• Redness and irritation, broken eyelid vessels

• Swelling, itching, dryness, stinging or burning

• Sensitivity to light, blurred vision

 

Treatments for Rosacea  

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Rosacea can be a chronic condition, however there are several treatments to keep the symptoms in check and prevent flare-ups. Our recommendations depend on your diagnosis and may include a combination of prescribed oral and topical medications and laser or light treatments.  

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The "gold-standard" for treating rosacea and vascular lesions such as telangiectasias, cherry angiomas, and vascular birthmarks is the Vbeam® Pulsed Dye Laser. In most cases, PDL treatments occur in a series of monthly treatments with maintenance treatments necessary. Your practitioner will discuss post procedure care with you and set up a treatment plan accordingly.

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What to Expect with the Vbeam® Pulsed Dye Laser

 

The area to be treated will be cleansed and topical anesthetic cream is applied prior to the treatment. The laser emits a cold "cyrogen" spray just prior to the laser pulse to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable.

 

Following the treatment, your skin may be pink and slightly swollen for the first 24 hours after the treatment. Applying cool packs helps with these symptoms. In certain cases, you may have areas of bruising and your practitioner will discuss this with you as it is dependent on the condition being treated. It is important to wear SPF prior to and after each treatment.