Rosacea Specialist

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes facial redness that may spread to the chest and back, and blemishes that often look like acne. It’s often called adult acne but the two conditions aren’t the same. Acne is caused by a buildup of oil in your pores; rosacea isn’t related to clogged pores.

Rosacea has so many symptoms that it’s divided into four types:

• Erythrotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
• Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts
• Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickens and develops a bumpy texture
• Ocular rosacea: Eyes become red and irritated and eyelids may become swollen

Rosacea often comes and goes, with flare-ups that are triggered by exposure to the sun or wind, changes in temperature, stress, exercise, cosmetics, and spicy foods.

Are you at risk for rosacea?

While no one has identified the exact cause of rosacea, experts believe it may be related to problems in blood vessels, sun damage to connective tissues in your skin, or an abnormal inflammatory reaction. Rosacea could even be caused by some medications.

Even though the experts haven’t tied down a cause, they know that the following factors increase your risk:

• Between 30-50 years old
• Fair skinned with blonde hair and blue eyes
• From Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry
• Family history of rosacea or severe acne
• Female

What treatments are available for rosacea?

Finding an effective treatment is a challenge for people with rosacea. Many people initially pick up skincare items at their local pharmacy, especially if they mistake the pimples for acne, but most over-the-counter treatments don’t help.

Dr. Topham encourages you to schedule a consultation for rosacea because it can worsen over time if not properly treated and controlled. Treatment begins by identifying and eliminating your triggers and consistently using a sunscreen because most people with rosacea are sensitive to sunlight.

Several prescription medications are available to treat redness, acne-like breakouts, thickening skin, and eye symptoms. You may also be a good candidate for laser treatment.

How does laser treatment diminish the appearance of rosacea?

Some types of rosacea, especially the erythrotelangiectatic form, respond well to laser therapy from the Excel V™ laser by CUTERA. Laser therapy is a primary treatment considered for rosacea because it eliminates visible blood vessels and reduces redness.

The red pigments and discolorations absorb the laser energy, which then destroys the targeted tissues without harming the surrounding skin. After receiving one laser treatment, patients see a 40-60% improvement in their rosacea symptoms.