Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects millions worldwide. Still, despite the power in numbers, that doesn’t make the condition any less annoying to deal with.
Here’s everything you need to know about rosacea and how to treat the common condition.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes the face to flush red and oftentimes is accompanied by red bumps and visible blood vessels. However, not all rosacea is created equal: There are four different kinds:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: This type is characterized by redness, flushing and visible blood vessels
- Papulopustular rosacea: This type is characterized by redness, swelling, and bumps that are often confused with acne due to appearance and texture
- Phymatous rosacea: This type is characterized by a thick, almost callous-like skin with a bumpy texture
- Ocular rosacea: This type is characterized by location — it shows up around the eyes causing redness and irritation
Other possible symptoms can include bloodshot eyes, enlarged pores, stinging or burning skin, and a swollen nose. While rosacea is most commonly found on the face, it can also show up on the neck, chest and upper back.
What Causes Rosacea?
Despite the discomfort that rosacea can cause, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, medical experts still don’t know entirely what causes the skin condition.
What we do know, however, is that genetics play a role in developing rosacea — talking with your parents and loved ones about their experience with the condition can be predictive to your own symptoms.
Existing rosacea can even be exacerbated by sun damage (which irritates the blood vessels further) and some studies even suggest that a bacteria called H. pylori found in the gut can cause the skin to flush.
Whatever the reason, medical professionals have also found that rosacea tends to present itself more frequently in women over 30, with light features and a history of severe acne.
How Can Rosacea Be Treated?
While the exact cause might not be known, science has come a long way, and you don’t need to live in pain or be self-conscious about your appearance.
There is no permanent cure for the skin condition, but we can treat it. At Lappert Skin Care we recommend PicoSure Focus laser treatments and Laser peels.
PicoSure®
The PicoSure laser works by damaging skin cells deep in the dermis, which then signals a healing response known as “cell signaling.” The light energy emitted from the laser breaks up and destroys red patches, pimples, plaques, and other common symptoms of rosacea.
Since the device uses a gentle pressure rather than heat there’s no pain, no irritation, and minimal risk. The result is newly produced, healthy skin cells.
Laser Peels
Similarly laser peels work by reducing visible blood vessels, flushing, and redness through the removal of the top most layers of skin. The laser light itself is absorbed by red blood cells and in the absorption process, the lining of inflamed and visible blood vessels is destroyed.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is like an intense exfoliation session. The treatment sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal a youthful and smooth layer of skin. Using a special tool, we’ll remove the problematic cells and top layer of skin precisely and painlessly, for a clear complexion that is rosacea-free.
Don’t let your rosacea stop you from living your best life. Give a call and let’s find the treatment for you: 256-772-7123.
