Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition of the skin characterized by facial redness and bumps similar to acne. It primarily affects Caucasians but effects mostly individuals with Celtic descent and women.

Rosacea typically begins as redness on the central face across the cheeks, nose, or forehead, but can also affect the neck, chest, ears, and scalp. In some cases, additional symptoms, such as persistent redness, broken capillaries, and gritty skin can occur. Burning and stinging sensations are common and in some advanced cases, a red lobulated nose may develop.

Triggers that cause episodes of flushing and blushing play a part in the development of Rosacea. High temperatures can cause the face to become flushed as well as strenuous exercise, heat from sunlight, stress, anxiety, alcohol, spicy foods, smoking, and caffeine.

Certain medications and topical irritants can trigger Rosacea including acne and wrinkle treatments. Most people with Rosacea have only mild redness and are never formally diagnosed or treated and there is no single specific test.

Topical and oral antibiotics are often the 1st line of treatment for Rosacea. They may control the acne like component of the disease but have very little effect on redness, skin quality, and broken capillaries associated with the disease. In addition, they rarely affect the progress of the condition over the years. Once they are stopped, the Rosacea returns.

The standard of care for the cosmetic aggravation associated with Rosacea is the Vbeam pulsed dye laser. By focusing energy on the irregular blood vessels that cause flushing, a series of laser treatments can dramatically reduce chronic and acute redness, decrease the frequency of acne form outbreaks and improve the overall quality of the skin. Ask Dr. Frank at your consultation if this treatment is right for you.