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The redness, and especially the “broken capillaries”, of rosacea are easy to improve immensely with IPL and laser treatments
Rosacea is a very common condition affecting up to 20% of fair-skinned people, and is not rare in those with other skin types. It is sometimes half-jokingly called “the curse of the Celts”. Sufferers get an ongoing bright redness of the cheeks and face.
Typical onset is around the age of 30-50. Patients describe increased reddening or flushing of their skin, with increased skin temperature, particularly in response to consumption of alcohol or spicy foods. Sun exposure may worsen it, or exposure to heat.
Having said that, alcohol and spicy foods as such do not in themselves cause rosacea, but will make it look worse in those who have the genetic predisposition for it.
Acne Rosacea (aka papulopustular rosacea). Along with the flushing, many patients will also develop a lot of what looks like tiny pimples. This is “acne rosacea”, which is something of a misnomer because it is quite different to the acne vulgaris of youth, in that there are no comedones as such in acne rosacea. Nonetheless, there are lots of little tender bumps (papules) that may develop little pustules on their tips.
Those with acne rosacea generally get good relief with prescribed antibiotics either topically or in tablet form. Come in for a consultation and we can help.
Importantly, the antibiotics are used mores for their inherent natiinflammatory effect rather than for their germ-killing effect. This is specific to the tetracycline group of antibiotics, notably minocycline and doxycycline.
Telangiectatic Rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea). Most rosacea patients also develop lots of dilated blood vessels that they might call “broken capillaries”. These bright red threads on the skin most often are seen over the cheeks, over and around the nose, and on the chin. Sufferers are often mistakenly thought of as heavy drinkers.
The redness responds well to a series of IPL treatments, and the individual broken capillaries respond excellently to our Iriderm 532nm laser, as described elsewhere in the section of “broken capillaries”. The telangiectasia in particular respond so well that it is hard to understand why there are people out there who continue to leave these unsightly red threads all over their faces without treatment. One good treatment session will get rid of most of them for good, so why procrastinate?
Here’s a recent Medscape item on the pathophysiology of rosacea. Science-types will like it
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