Rosacea Treatment
Rosacea is a relatively common chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. It usually begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.
The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown; however, the onset of symptoms can be triggered by hereditary factors, environmental changes such as extreme heat or cold, physical exercise, the use of certain cosmetics, medications that dilate blood vessels, or may also be related to the emotional system, such as anxiety and nervousness, for example.
Rosacea is more common in individuals with lower phototypes (fairer skin), over the age of 30, who smoke, or have a family history of rosacea.
Types of Rosacea
The most common symptoms include redness on the skin (which tends to spread slowly across the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin), visible small blood vessels, the appearance of pimples, among others.
Subtype 1: Facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
Flushing and redness in the center of the face
Visible blood vessels ("spider" veins)
Dry skin, roughness, or flaking
Swollen skin
The skin can be very sensitive
The skin may sting and burn
Tends to blush or flush more easily than others
Subtype 2: Facial redness, swelling, and acne outbreaks
Acne outbreaks, usually where the skin is very red
Acne outbreaks tend to appear and disappear, they are not constant
Visible blood vessels ("spider" veins)
Oily skin
The skin can be very sensitive
The skin may burn and sting
Skin with raised areas known as plaques
Subtype 3: Thick and coarse skin
This subtype is rare. When it occurs, the person typically presents signs and symptoms of another subtype of rosacea first. The signs of this subtype are:
Irregular skin texture
The skin begins to thicken, most commonly on the nose (although rare, rosacea can cause the skin to thicken and have an irregular texture, and when this happens, it is called rhinophyma)
The skin can also thicken on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears
Visible blood vessels ("spider" veins)
Dilated pores
Oily skin
Subtype 4: Ocular rosacea, red, swollen, and irritated eyes (usually requires consultation with an ophthalmologist)
Watery or red appearance
Feeling of sand in the eyes
Eyes burn or sting
Very dry eyes
Eye irritation, the urge to "scratch"
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Visible blood vessels on the eyelids
Cyst on the eyelid
Vision worsens over time
What is the treatment for?
It is a treatment with intense pulsed light, DyeVL, which uses light with a narrow wavelength range between 500-600nm and specific energy to target hemoglobin (chromophore) in the blood vessels, closing them and eliminating the appearance of small blood vessels on the skin.
What is the duration of the sessions?
The duration of the treatment varies but typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes.
Is it painful?
Intense pulsed light is a comfortable treatment, with the prior application of a cold gel. The sensation is a slight warmth with each pulse of light.
How often should it be done?
Since rosacea is a chronic skin condition, this treatment should ideally be performed once every 3-4 weeks for 5-6 sessions. After that, maintenance sessions can be carried out.
