Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea treatment

        Rosacea, or acne rosacea is a chronic, progressive disorder of the skin manifested by small red spots (papules) and persistent facial redness (rosacea). Cheeks and nose are the first to take on a purplish tint, followed by the forehead and chin. Only a physician can make an accurate diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment with the aim to act on symptoms. The treatment is based on the prescription of drugs that must be applied locally (emulsion, cream or gel) or taken orally. It can be complemented by sessions of laser or electrocautery, in case of redness. The medical monitoring over the long term, can control symptoms. Drugs to apply locally (metronidazole, azelaic acid ...) or drugs taken orally can be prescribed by your doctor, depending on the severity of rosacea.

Rosacea treatment- Vascular lasers and pulsed lamps:

        The objective of these procedures is to destroy the abnormal vessels (dilated) without damaging the skin by targeting hemoglobin. The number of sessions can vary and there are several types of vascular lasers. The sessions should not be performed on tanned skin. The lasers do not cure. If lesions recur, it is possible to restart new sessions.

Rosacea treatment - electrocoagulation:

        Less used since the laser has become widespread, electrocoagulation is to coagulate one by one the blood vessels using a thin cautery needle.

Rosacea treatment - Risk Factors

        We do not know the cause of rosacea, but we know that various factors may aggravate rosacea or contribute to relapses:

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning lamps. UVA rays cause dilation of blood vessels which, after some time, may become permanent. The heat also has a harmful effect. By dilating blood vessels, it enhances the effect of radiation.
• A sudden change in temperature.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• The consumption of hot drinks, spicy foods or alcohol.
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy and menopause).
• Surgery on the nose.
• The use of cortisone. Whether used in tablets or ointment, cortisone causes dilation of blood vessels and thinning of the skin.
• Radiation therapy. By increasing body temperature, it causes dilation of blood vessels.

Rosacea treatment pictures

Rosacea surgery

        To improve the appearance of scars, telangiectasia (small red lines caused by dilated blood vessels) or rhinophyma, various methods of surgery are available. Electrocoagulation. It is an effective technique that can require several treatments and has various drawbacks, including these: light bleeding, redness and the formation of scabs in the days that followed, a risk of scarring or of permanent depigmentation of the skin. This treatment may be considered during the summer (risk of brown staining). Laser surgery. More effective and less painful than the previous treatment, the laser usually leaves less scarring. However, it may cause some bruising or temporary reddening. It takes between one and three sessions per area treatment. Dermabrasion intervention is to use the surface layer of the skin using a small brush to rapid rotation.