Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the face and is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Often beginning after the age of 30, individuals affected by rosacea may experience facial flushing and irritated skin. Rosacea is relatively common but may often be misdiagnosed as other conditions.
Causes of Rosacea
Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, there are some theories about what might contribute to its development:
- Abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face
- An abundance of Demodex folliculorum, which is a microscopic mite present on the skin
- Family history
- Overactive immune system
Rosacea may also be triggered by external factors like:
- Alcohol consumption
- Vigorous exercise
- Exposure to UV radiation or wind
- Intense emotions
- Extreme temperatures
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels
- Spicy foods
Rosacea Symptoms
Rosacea is more common in women than men, and it usually begins with facial redness around the age of 30. Over time, the redness tends to become more persistent, and visible blood vessels may become noticeable. The skin of the affected areas may also feel hot and tender, like a burning sensation. Left untreated, bumps and pimples that resemble acne may form, and in severe cases, the nose can grow swollen and bumpy due to excess skin tissue.
In many rosacea patients, the eyes are also affected, leading to:
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Crust around the eyelashes
- Swollen eyelids
- Watery or bloodshot appearance
Oral and Topical Treatments
Various oral and topical medications are available to treat rosacea symptoms. These types of medications especially help the inflammation of bumps and pimples. Topical medications may be in the form of lotions, creams, gels, or ointments.
Laser Treatment for Rosacea
The VBeam® PDL and Excel® V are two of our most trusted choices due to their proven safety and effectiveness. They are particularly effective in removing discolorations associated with rosacea, as well as sun spots, age spots, freckles, and other vascular pigmentation abnormalities.
It often takes 3-5 treatments for optimal results, and maintenance treatments every year or so are usually recommended.
How VBeam Works
The VBeam uses PDL technology to deliver an intense but gentle burst of light into targeted areas of the skin. This light is absorbed by the blood vessels or pigmentation in the skin, causing them to collapse and fade away, reducing the appearance of rosacea.
How Excel V Works
The Excel V laser delivers high-powered laser energy to coagulate the blood within the vein, resulting in the vessels being reabsorbed by the body. This allows the body to naturally eliminate the unsightly appearance of rosacea blemishes.
What to Expect
During the Procedure
Patients often describe the sensation during laser treatment as a warming or tingling feeling. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and anesthetics are usually not required. Both lasers are safe for all skin types and are known for their precision and minimal discomfort.
Post-treatment Care
After treatment, patients may experience a sensation similar to a mild sunburn. This is typically short-lived and subsides within a few hours to a couple of days. Occasional swelling, especially around the eyes, and occasional bruising, especially if there are visible blood vessels, are also common for a few days. Coverup and makeup can be worn immediately after treatment.
It is crucial to avoid sun exposure before and throughout the treatment period. We recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily during this time to protect the skin and enhance treatment results.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff, please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C. today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Please note, we do not offer online scheduling for the eye specialties listed below, only for routine eye exams. Please use the following numbers to schedule specialty eye appointments or to place an order:
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff,
please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.