Rosacea is a skin condition that may cause facial redness or flushing, acne, bulbous nose or eye irritation. While there are no known cures for rosacea, certain treatments may be effective in reducing symptoms.
Treatments for Different Symptoms
The treatment recommended will likely depend on the symptoms the patient is experiencing. During an initial consultation, the physician will perform a physical exam to check symptoms and may perform tests to rule out other conditions. Some physicians may recommend the use of broadband sunscreen to prevent the sun from triggering symptoms.
Treating Facial Redness/Flushing
Pulsed dyed laser therapy may be effective in reducing the facial redness and red lines that many patients experience as a result of rosacea. The blood cells in dilated vessels are targeted so that they absorb the laser energy and destroy the blood vessel causing the redness or lines. Intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL, is also used to treat facial redness and flushing. Instead of the narrow band of light used with laser therapies, a broadband light is used. This allows for a larger area to be treated at once. Energy is delivered to the epidermis and the dermis during treatment, but the epidermis is not damaged.
Treating Acne
Some physicians may recommend the use of broadband sunscreen to prevent the sun from triggering symptoms. Certain prescription creams have also been used to treat rosacea. As there are several creams available, the side effects and benefits of each should be discussed with a skincare professional. Orally taken medications may be used if rosacea is severe and acne does not respond to topical creams. Tetracycline is commonly used, but patients are again encouraged to discuss their options with a skincare professional. Individuals suffering from rosacea should learn as much as possible about their treatment options and consult with a skincare professional before choosing any treatment.
