Rosacea Specialist

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that is chronic, meaning it persists or recurs on a nearly constant basis. It’s commonly misdiagnosed, and many men and women live with rosacea for years before they receive a correct diagnosis and begin treatment.

Rosacea is most common among people with fair skin and of northern European descent. It’s not possible to cure rosacea, but treatment can minimize symptoms and improve the appearance of your skin.

There are different types of rosacea, some that cause redness and visible blood vessels, others that create acne-like breakouts, thickened skin, or irritation around your eyes.

Why treat rosacea?

It’s important to seek effective treatment options because rosacea can worsen if left untreated. In addition to skin irritation, rosacea often causes stress and frustration among sufferers.

It’s hard to feel confident and self-assured when your skin is unusually red, swollen, flaky, or bumpy. Many men and women with rosacea feel self-conscious about their appearance and are rarely able to relax and enjoy social or professional interactions without worrying about their skin. Treatment can help manage the symptoms of rosacea and give you a sense of control over your appearance.  

What treatments improve rosacea?

If you have the type of rosacea that causes enlarged blood vessels, an innovative treatment known as VBeam® pulsed dye laser can help. The VBeam laser delivers pulses of concentrated energy to target and remove unsightly blood vessels on the skin.

The laser targets the hemoglobin in your dilated blood vessels, leaving the surrounding tissues untouched. As your hemoglobin absorbs the heat from the laser, the blood vessel walls are damaged, causing a rupture and subsequent coagulation. Your body then absorbs the destroyed blood vessels and redirects blood flow to nearby healthy vessels.

Once those blood vessels are destroyed, your skin will appear less swollen and red. After a series of 3-5 treatment sessions, you can expect a 50 to 75% reduction in redness.

Can medications help with rosacea?

Medical therapy is another treatment option, and prescription medications can reduce redness, bumps, and inflammation. Before you begin medical therapy, your dermatologist will discuss the potential for side effects and harmful interactions with other medications.

If you’re ready to move beyond red, thickened, bumpy skin and toward a smoother and clearer complexion, schedule a consultation at District Dermatology today.