Rosacea

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition characterized by flushing and skin redness on the face.  It starts off with easy blushing followed by chronic redness, and in the later stages is known as full blown rosacea or acne.

Who gets Rosacea?

About 14 million Americans are estimated to be affected by rosacea.  It generally starts in a person’s 30s or 40s, and reaches its peak during their 40s and 50s.  It usually affects fair skinned individuals, although it has been seen in darker skinned patients as well.

What causes it?

Doctors do not know the exact cause of rosacea, but believe that some people inherit a tendency to develop it.  It is also thought that people who blush frequently may be more likely to develop rosacea.  Some researchers say that rosacea is a disorder where blood vessels dilate too easily, resulting in flushing and redness.

Factors that cause rosacea to flare up in one person may have no effect on another person.  Although the following factors have not been well-researched, some people claim that one or more of them have aggravated their rosacea: heat (including hot baths), strenuous exercise, sunlight, wind, very cold temperatures, hot or spicy foods and drinks, alcohol consumption, menopause, emotional stress, and long-term use of topical steroids on the face.

Is there a cure?

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are effective treatments for keeping it under control.  With any of these treatments, it may take weeks or even months before a person notices improvement in the skin.  The treatments might also start with avoiding factors that cause exacerbation of the symptoms.

What treatments does Dr. Prasad have available to help rosacea?

Dr. Prasad may choose to use a topical antibiotic, such as metronidazole, or in severe cases prescribe an oral antibiotic instead.  Minocycline is a common antibiotic used to treat rosacea.

Certain skin care programs may also help calm the skin.  During your consultation, Dr. Prasad will go over a customized treatment plan for you and may suggest starting a skincare regimen.  Either the doctor or the staff will go over how to use your skincare regimen to its full potential, and how to get the best possible results for you.

Fotofacial or IPL treatments have been shown to result in a 50-75% improvement for rosacea, flushing, ruddy complexion, broken capillaries, and spider veins of the face.  These treatments do not have any down time and are painless.  The treatments are typically done in a series over several weeks.  Learn more about Fotofacials on our Fotofacial treatment page here.

Makeup is also commonly used to help camouflage rosacea.  The Laser Esthetica staff will assist you in selecting and applying makeup that is specially formulated for sensitive skin.  This can give the skin a more even tone and help with covering the red coloring seen with rosacea.