Rosacea

Rosacea is a common inflammatory disease of the face, most commonly affecting the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. It is a genetically inherited, chronic disorder that usually lasts for many years. Rosacea flare-ups may coincide with stressful events, temperature (seasonal) changes and hormonal fluctuations. Over a period of time, this inflammation gradually scars the skin, producing permanent redness of the face, particularly the cheeks and nose. The exact cause of rosacea is not known, although there has been shown to be a hereditary disposition towards it. Rosacea may also be associated with an inflammation of the eyelids known as blepharitis.

Rosacea is most common among middle-aged women with light skin, but it can affect men as well. It often includes persistent redness on the face, most commonly on the nose and cheeks, swollen, red bumps on the face that resemble pimples, and swelling of the nose and cheeks due to swelling in the blood vessels.

Over time, rosacea can cause skin on the nose and cheeks to thicken, making it appear red and puffy.

It is important to see a board-certified dermatologist for a diagnosis and to get proper treatment.

Facial Redness Treatment

Although there is no permanent cure for rosacea, symptoms can be managed through various types of medical dermatology treatments. Medication, lasers, and lifestyle changes can be used in conjunction for the most effective treatment to reduce redness.

Lasers

Lasers are generally the best treatments for rosacea. There are a variety of laser treatments available that may help to reduce redness of your rosacea. Ask Dr. Melda Isaac or Dr. Daniel Yanes in Washington, DC what the best laser treatment is for your particular condition.

BBL, DermaV, and V-Beam Pulsed Dye Lasers

Broadband Light (BBL), DermaV, and V-beam Pulsed Dye lasers are most often used to reduce redness and the frequency and severity of flushing associated with rosacea. BBL photofacials use pulsed light directed at the problem area in order to gradually reduce redness and photodamage. V-beam laser is a pulsed dye laser which shoots yellow light at affected areas, causing the blood vessels to absorb the light and coagulate the blood. This is then reabsorbed by the body and leaves the skin with a smooth and healthy complexion. The DermaV laser uses a slightly different wavelength of light to improve redness and symptoms associated with rosacea. DermaV is a 532nm laser and is the newest laser available to treat rosacea, redness and sun damage on the face neck and chest. DermaV has a cooling system similar to the VBeam Pulsed Dye laser! The DermaV laser allows Dr. Isaac, Dr. Yanes, and their staff to safely treat patients’ skin with higher energy for better results. All of our vascular lasers use light-based energy to penetrate the skin and treat skin redness and discoloration associated with rosacea and sun damage. All of our laser devices are very effective at penetrating blood vessels, stopping the flow of blood and causing the blood to coagulate and be absorbed into the body, reducing the appearance of redness and inflammation. There are subtle, yet important, differences among these devices. Depending on your skin type (i.e. color, texture) and problem, Dr. Isaac, Dr. Yanes, and their staff will select the best device for your skin.

BBL photofacials, V-beam, and DermaV laser treatments are quite gentle and will require anywhere from two to five sessions for optimal results. Another benefit of these laser treatments, though, is that they require minimal downtime. You can usually resume your everyday activities within a day after laser treatment!

Intellitone

The Intellitone laser is a safe and gentle treatment that works well to non-invasively rejuvenate and reduce redness. Intellitone gently heats the dermis just under the skin to stimulate collagen production and to reduce redness and flushing. There is no pain involved with this procedure, and no downtime required either. Intellitone is one of the most popular laser treatments available at the MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is another effective laser treatment for rosacea. PDT is a more intensive laser treatment that combines a topical solution called aminolevulinic acid, or ALA, with blue or laser light. The light activates the ALA and works to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. This laser treatment has been shown to be effective in treating all manner of vascular facial conditions, including rosacea.

Lifestyle Changes

The progression of rosacea can be slowed by avoidance of activities or foods that lead to a flushing response, such as:

• Emotional or physical stress
• Heavy exercise
• Extremely hot temperatures
• Ingestion of alcohol or spicy foods

Incorporating these lifestyle changes along with a laser treatment will lead to a vast improvement in the appearance of your rosacea. Your expert dermatologist will be able to formulate a treatment plan with you to reduce redness and leave you with rosacea-free skin for as long as possible. If your rosacea reappears, another laser treatment can take care of it.

Schedule a Skin Care Consultation Today!

If you have been suffering from rosacea and wondering if there is any way to be rid of it, then you are in luck. Schedule a consultation at the MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC today to speak with an expert dermatologist about treatment options for your individual case. To find out more information about rosacea and how to treat it, call (202) 393-7546 to make your appointment!