Vanessa Pierce, RN, BSN

Rosacea, a skin condition that causes acne-like lesions and reddening of the facial skin, affects millions of people. The condition typically affects people over the age of 30 and involves progressive flushing of the skin and the development of visible blood vessels covering the nose, cheeks and chin. If left untreated, pimples and bumps can also develop as well as red and watery eyes. The cause of rosacea is not completely understood, but possible causes include: vascular disorder, bacteria and mites. Those with the condition may experience a loss of self-esteem and find they are less confident in professional and social interactions.

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatment options that will help control the condition and reduce redness and breakouts. Some physicians prescribe an oral antibiotic, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as topical treatments initially to get the condition under control. Long term topical treatment may then be needed to maintain control. Lasers, intense pulsed light, and specific skin care routines may also be used to shrink or remove blood vessels and reduce the amount of redness seen in the skin.  Also, patients are encouraged to avoid sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption, hot baths, cold weather, spicy foods, humidity, and indoor heating as these are things that may aggravate rosacea symptoms.

Several laser treatments available at The Med Spa at Daireds, including the ND:Yag and the GentleLase, can be used to treat the larger blood vessels associated with rosacea. The laser light targets the pigment in the blood vessel, heats it, and causes the vein to collapse. The body will then reabsorb the damaged vein, thus decreasing the number of veins and redness seen on the face. Treatment of these veins can usually be accomplished in one to three treatments. Similarly, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can be used to treat the finer blood vessels and generalized flushing associated with rosacea. Rosacea associated breakouts may also be treated using IPL. The heat from the IPL heats and destroys the bacteria associated with acne. It may take one to seven sessions to see results with IPL.

To discuss which of these laser options is right for your rosacea treatment, call The Med Spa at Daireds at 817-465-9797 to schedule a consultation.