What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common facial skin disorder estimated to affect well over 16 million Americans. It most commonly affects the central facial skin on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Rosacea can flare throughout an individual’s lifetime. Most people develop rosacea after the age of 30.
Physiological symptoms of rosacea include:
- Skin redness or flushing
- Small visible blood vessels
- Bumps or pimples that resemble acne
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Change in the size or shape of the nose and/or chin
There are four different types of rosacea, including the following.
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: This form of rosacea involves persistent redness with enlarged blood vessels. When it flares, symptoms can come and go.
Papulopustular rosacea: This form of rosacea involves pus-filled bumps that form on the skin. Symptoms are similar to those of acne.
Phymatous rosacea: This type of rosacea causes skin thickening, which most commonly affects the nose. Symptoms can also lead to rhinophyma, which can cause the nose to appear bulbous.
Ocular rosacea: This form of rosea can affect the eyes, causing eye irritation or watery or bloodshot eyes. Painful bumps may form on the eyelid (styes).
What Causes Rosacea?
The cause of rosacea is currently unknown. However, studies have found that rosacea may be a symptom of conditions that affect the blood vessels, immune system, or nervous system. Other possible causes include an H. pylori infection, microscopic skin mites, or a protein malfunction in the skin.
Each individual with rosacea has unique triggers that cause their symptoms to flare. Possible triggers that cause flare-ups may include sun exposure, stress, hot or cold temperatures, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, skin or hair products, or spicy foods.
Rosacea Treatment Options
Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, rosacea can cause significant psychological, social, and occupational problems if left untreated. Fortunately, dermatological intervention can typically control the symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. Prescription creams and oral medications can lessen symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. Office-based laser treatments help target the overactive blood vessels and reduce redness and flushing. Because blood vessels occur in different sizes and depths, often multiple devices are used to treat these variable targets. Multiple treatments are often required, which require little or no recovery time.
Lasers for Rosacea Treatment
Laser treatments target hemoglobin at different depths to remove vessels selectively. During treatment, the laser’s wavelengths target and collapse visible blood vessels so they are no longer visible. This treatment is virtually painless and can greatly reduce redness, visible blood vessels, and thickened skin.
At UnionDerm, we offer the following laser and light-based treatments to address rosacea:
Schedule a Consultation
Rosacea patients in the NYC or Hamptons area who are seeking to address their skin condition with proper treatment can contact UnionDerm today. Our team of board-certified dermatologists is dedicated to providing individualized treatment for each of our patients at any of our three convenient locations: Central Park, Union Square, and Hamptons.
