Rosacea
If you are embarrassed by flushing, visible blood vessels, or acne-like bumps on your face, you are certainly not alone. A recent study conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark concluded that 415 million people across the globe suffer from rosacea. Dr. M. Christine Lee at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute in Walnut Creek, CA suggests effective laser treatment.
Recognizing rosacea
Despite the prevalence of rosacea, only about 18 percent of people in the US who have the condition receive medical treatment. Mild rosacea can initially be difficult to see on dark complexions, and women may simply hide it with makeup. In some cases, rosacea seems to disappear on its own, but without treatment it recurs. Rosacea takes many forms, mimicking acne, skin allergies, and eczema. Thus, it is often treated with inappropriate over-the-counter remedies.
The first step to clearing rosacea is to recognize it. This chronic, inflammatory condition usually presents on the face – most often in the central area. Without treatment, it gets progressively worse. In severe cases, oil glands become enlarged and tissue builds up on the nose, causing enlargement called rhinophyma. Ocular rosacea forms in the eye. In has the potential to inflame corneas, which may lead to corneal ulcers, infection, or perforation and blindness.
Currently, there is no specific laboratory test, so accurate diagnosis by an experienced Board-certified dermatologist is essential to rule out other causes. Please see Dr. Lee right away if you notice:
- Small blood vessels on the face.
- Diffuse facial redness – ruddy nose and cheeks.
- Red, pimple-like bumps that may be tender or feel warm (known as acne rosacea).
- Frequent flushing or blushing.
- Irritated eyes that feel chronically dry, scratchy, or sensitive to light. Lids may be red or swollen.
Rosacea is believed to be a result of inherited and environmental factors. It is not related to hygiene. While anyone can have rosacea, it is most common in fair-skinned women of middle age whose complexions have had sun damage. Individuals with acne rosacea are at higher risk of ocular symptoms, and men are more likely to have rhinophyma. Smoking increases risk of developing facial redness.
Treatment options for adult rosacea
Treatment begins with careful evaluation of situations unique to you that trigger outbreaks. These often include:
- Alcohol
- Emotional excitement
- Extremely hot or cold environmental temperature
- Hot beverages
- Medications that dilate blood vessels
- Poor quality cosmetics
- Spicy foods
- Wind and sun exposure
Dr. Lee works with you to identify triggers, so you may implement simple lifestyle adjustments to reduce rosacea episodes. Then she develops a personalized treatment plan to get rosacea under control and restore skin tone and texture.
Rosacea medication – topical preparations – construct blood vessels, helping to lessen redness. Oral antibiotics may be the best treatment for rosacea bumps, to reduce inflammation. Isotretinoin is an aggressive therapy for acne-like rosacea.
No other technique, however, compares to the laser for skin redness.
What to expect from rosacea laser treatment in Walnut Creek, CA
At The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute, laser treatment for broken capillaries and redness is a gentle, noninvasive procedure. As a pioneer in the field of dermatological laser therapies, Dr. Lee has developed the LaserLite facial for rosacea skin.
Using two wavelengths of light, energy from the dual LaserLite device targets pigments in facial veins, diffuse redness, and acne bumps. The resulting thermal response constricts blood vessels, while simultaneously stimulating natural healing processes for healthier skin. A series of no-downtime LaserLite treatments refines rosacea-troubled skin. Periodic re-treatment keeps skin clear and reduces outbreaks. (More aggressive laser skin resurfacing may be recommended to remove thickened skin resulting from rosacea.)
Most people see noticeable change shortly after the first LaserLite session, with continued improvement for a few weeks following the last treatment. Treated blood vessels are gone for good, but new ones can eventually form. However, results typically last several years.
Rosacea is nothing to blush about. Call The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute at (925) 528-0117 to get the advanced care you deserve.