Treating Rosacea Acne and Other Symptoms
Rosacea is a very common disorder characterized by symptoms of facial flushing and a collection of other clinical signs such as facial redness, broken capillaries, coarseness of the skin, and an inflammatory eruption that may be similar to acne.The hallmark of rosacea is persistent redness in the central portion of the face that lasts for at least three months. This redness may be associated with flushing, broken capillaries (medically called telangiectasias), and an acne-like skin eruption. However, unlike acne, the skin eruption in rosacea does not have any blackheads.
Clients often find that the first symptom of rosacea is a tendency to flush or blush easily. The condition generally starts in the center of the face and then extends to involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. Over a long period of time, potentially years, the condition progresses to a persistent redness with visible blood vessels and possibly pimples and bumps. With time the redness tends to become more persistent. In the more severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy, a condition known medically as rhinophyma.
Because rosacea is a complex condition, it has been divided into subtypes, which are determined based on the appearance of the skin. This subdivision helps classify rosacea. However, patients may have the findings of more than one subtype at the same time.
- Subtype 1 – Facial Redness: Subtype 1 (medically called erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) is characterized by persistent facial redness and flushing. Broken capillaries, called telangiectasia, may be present, and the skin may feel irritated and uncomfortable.
- Subtype 2 – Bumps and Pimples: Subtype 2 (medically called papulopustular rosacea) is characterized by facial redness and acne-like bumps and pimples.
- Subtype 3 – Skin Thickening: Subtype 3 (medically called phymatous rosacea) is characterized by skin thickening and enlargement, especially around the nose. When the nose is involved in this manner, it is referred to as a rhinophyma. It is believed that W.C. Fields had this type of rosacea involving his nose.
- Subtype 4 – Eye Irritation: Subtype 4 (medically called ocular rosacea) is characterized by the presence of eye symptoms, including watery eyes, red eyes, foreign body sensation, eye burning, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Ocular rosacea should be treated by an ophthalmologist.
Although the cause of rosacea is not known, several factors are known to play a role in its development. The condition is more common in
women than in men. In addition, genetics is also clearly a factor, and the condition may be inherited. Evidence suggests that sun exposure is also a contributing factor in the development of rosacea. There are also certain “triggering factors” that may exacerbate a patient’s rosacea. When present, these need to be identified and avoided as much as possible. Common triggering factors are hot and cold temperatures, wind, hot drinks, caffeine, exercise, spicy foods, alcohol, certain emotions, and medications that cause flushing.
Laser skin treatment is a popular choice for the fight against rosacea. At Dermaworks Medical Aesthetics Clinic a laser is used to emit a beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the blood vessel. This will break down the blood vessel, diminishing the look of the vascular lesion (rosacea). Final treatment results should be evident in 10-14 days after treatment. Three to four treatments may be needed to reach your final goal.
Chemical peels are another choice for clients looking to treat rosacea. At Dermaworks Medical Aesthetics Clinic our illumaPeel combines a variety of active cosmeceutical ingredients to effectively achieve the results you desire. The peeling process usually begins 1-3 days after the procedure and is complete in 5-7 days. The skin may appear dry and flaky during this time. Although results may be achieved after one treatment, a series of 3-6 treatments may be required depending on the intensity of the peel and other treatments used.
All patients who have rosacea should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UV-A and UV-B light. At Dermaworks Medical Aesthetics Clinic we recommend using our sunscreen, Nature’s Veil SPF 30, a physical sunscreen based on zinc oxide rather than chemicals. In addition, individuals who have rosacea should seek shade and wear a wide-brim hat to further protect themselves from the sun.
If you’re suffering from rosacea don’t wait, contact us today. We have treated hundreds of clients with this condition who have received extremely gratifying results. Contact us today to book your no pressure consultation. Honest advice, beautiful results™.
