ROSACEA

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.

Rosacea can affect anyone. But it’s most common in middle-aged women who have light skin. Signs and symptoms of rosacea include:

• Facial redness.Rosacea usually causes a persistent redness in the central part of your face. Small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks  become visible.
• Swollen, red bumps.Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. Your skin may feel hot and tender.
• Enlarged nose.Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.

If you experience persistent redness of your face, see your dermatologist for adiagnosis and proper treatment.

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Anyone can develop rosacea. It is more common in women over 30 years old with light skin, particularly if it has been damaged by the sun.  Predisposing factors are family history and smoking

A number of factors can trigger flare-ups, such as:

• Hot drinks and spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Temperature extremes
• Sunlight or wind
• Emotional reactions
• Exercise
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
• Various cosmetic products

 

Treatment

• Prescription drugs for rosacea include: Topical drugs that reduce redness, oral antibiotics and isotretinoin

• Laser treatment: In my practise I use Vbeam perfecta laser for the treatment of rosacea.

 

WHAT IS THE VBEAM LASER TREATMENT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

The VBeam (or pulsed dye laser – PDL) works by delivering controlled pulses of laser energy into the skin with specific wavelengths of light that are perfectly calibrated to diffuse redness and treat dilated red blood vessels . Because the main VBeam function operates at the wavelength that targets the red color in oxygenated blood hemoglobin, it is one of the best treatments for ‘red’ skin conditions like rosacea. In the industry, it is known as the go-to vascular laser.

The face, neck and chest are the most common areas for treatment.

The VBeam laser is the number one safe and effective solution. The results are visible after a few sessions : less redness, less vessels, less flare ups.

Tips to help the  skin with rosacea:

• Identify and avoid triggering factors.

Pay attention to what  causes flare-ups for you and avoid those triggers.

• Protect your face. Apply sunscreen daily. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen — which blocks both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays — with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen after you apply any topical medication you are using for your face, and before applying any cosmetics.

Take other steps to protect your skin, such as wearing a hat and avoiding midday sun. In cold, windy weather, wear a scarf or ski mask.

• Treat your skin gently. Don’t rub or touch your face too much. Use a nonsoap cleanser and moisturize frequently. Avoid products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants.
• Reduce visible redness with makeup. Some makeup products and techniques may help reduce the appearance of skin redness. Try powder cosmetics with a green tone and matte finish.