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Rosacea

What is Rosecea?

 

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition primarily affecting the face.

Symptoms:

  • Redness: Rosacea causes red patches, especially on the central part of the face.
  • Visible Blood Vessels: Facial blood vessels become noticeable, particularly on the nose and cheeks.
  • Pus-Filled Bumps: Small, red bumps filled with pus may appear.
  • Skin Sensations: The skin feels tender, hot, and irritated.
  • Eye Irritation: Dryness, redness, and swelling in the eyes.
  • Swollen Eyelids: Reddened and swollen eyelids.
  • Enlarged Nose: In severe cases, the nose can become enlarged, especially in men.

Causes of rosecea:

  • Increased Blood Flow: Rosacea occurs due to the increased blood flow to the surface of the skin..
  • Triggers: While the exact cause of rosecea remains unknown, several factors can contribute:
    • Gender (more common in women)
    • Fair skin
    • Age (risk increases after 30)
    • Family history
    • Hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol
    • Extreme temperatures, sunlight, wind
    • Emotional stress, strenuous exercise
    • Certain medications (e.g., blood pressure meds)

Complications:

  • Rhinophyma: Occurs due to Enlargement of oil glands in the nose or cheeks, leading to a build up of tissue.

Diagnosis:

  • There are no specific tests; based on medical history and symptoms. Rarely, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes.

Treatment Options:

  • There is no cure for rosecea, however treatments aim to reduce the symptoms.
  • Medications: Azelaic acid, doxycycline, isotretinoin.

  • Procedures: Electrosurgery, laser therapy, Intense Pulsed Light dermabrasion.

  • Self-Care: Avoid triggers, use sunscreen, gentle skincare, manage stress.

Laser/IPL Treatment:

For those patients with visible blood vessels, laser or IPL therapy can effectively reduce and shrink them. These treatments uses brief pulses of light energy that specifically target the blood vessels, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

 

If you have a tan, it’s essential to allow it to fade before laser treatment, as tanned skin may reduce the effectiveness of the procedure.

Side effects of laser treatment for rosecea:

The most common side effects of laser/IPL treatments is increased redness immediately following the procedure. these side effects are typically mild and usually resolve within 2 weeks These include bruising, itching, swelling, peeling, a feeling of tightness, changes in skin color a mild rash and sometimes the skin may feel sunburned. 

 

The number of treatments required are based on skin severity and symptoms. Typically, it takes a series of 3–6 treatments, scheduled 6 weeks apart, before significant results are visible. Results can last as long as 3–5 years.

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