What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by facial redness and sometimes pimples. Unless it affects the eyes, it is typically a harmless. Treatment is cosmetic in nature, and usually involves laser-light treatments and topical medications to reduce inflammation.
What causes rosacea?
Experts are not sure what causes rosacea. It tends to affect people who have fair skin or blush easily, and it seems to run in families. It is not caused by alcohol use, but patients may experience flare-ups when using alcohol. Flares can be caused by anything that causes the blood vessels in the face to expand, including exercise, sun and wind exposure, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot baths. Swings in temperature from hot to cold or cold to hot can also cause a flare-up of rosacea.
What are the symptoms?
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People with rosacea may have:
- Flushed face
- Pimples or bumps on or around the cheeks, nose, mouth, and forehead
- Tiny red veins on the face
- Stinging facial skin
- Dry, red and irritated eyes
How is it treated?
Dr. Melamed uses a combination of prescription medicines and laser-lights to treat rosacea. There is no cure, but with treatment, most people can control their symptoms and keep the disease from getting worse. Medications can include:
- Antibiotic creams or pills
- Isotretinoin (Accutane)
- Tretinoin cream (Retin-A)
A very effective treatment is with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), a non-laser light source, FDA approved for treating fine dilated blood vessels on the face. IPL can safely and effectively reduce the signs of rosacea, including:
- Dilated blood vessels
- Persistent redness
- Flushing
- Acne-like breakouts
What can you expect from an IPL treatment?
IPL is not effective for everyone. However, most patients notice reduction in dilated blood vessels and redness after only one or two treatments. Side effects from IPL are temporary and include redness, swelling and skin lightening.
How can you prevent rosacea flare-ups?
There are some things you can do to reduce symptoms and keep rosacea from getting worse.
- Find your triggers and avoid them.
- Use sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and a minimum of SPF 30.
- Be gentle with your skin.
If you have any questions about rosacea, IPL or any other procedure or would like to make a Complimentary Consultation please schedule and Online Appointment or call toll free 1-88-88-West LA (310-473-1734).
