Rosacea
Rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but little-known disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans -- and most of them don't know it.
In fact, while rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.
Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, however, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.
While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, today medical help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this potentially life-disruptive disorder. The Vbeam laser can play a big part in controlling Rosacea and making it more manageable. Any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe:
What Should I Look For?
Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another, and in most cases some rather than all of the potential signs and symptoms appear. According to a consensus committee and review panel of 17 medical experts worldwide, rosacea always includes at least one of the following primary signs, and various secondary signs and symptoms may also develop.
Primary Signs of Rosacea
- Flushing Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may come and go, and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.
- Persistent Redness Persistent facial redness is the most common individual signs of rosacea, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
- Bumps and Pimples Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.
- Visible Blood Vessels In many people with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.
Other Potential Signs and Symptoms
- Eye Irritation In many people with rosacea, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot, a condition known as ocular rosacea. The eyelids also may become red and swollen, and styes are common. Severe cases can result in corneal damage and vision loss without medical help.
- Burning or Stinging Burning or stinging sensations may often occur on the face. Itching or a feeling of tightness may also develop.
- Dry Appearance The central facial skin may be rough, and thus appear to be very dry.
- Plaques Raised red patches, known as plaques, may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.
- Skin Thickening The skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men than women.
- Swelling Facial swelling, known as edema, may accompany other signs of rosacea or occur independently.
- Signs Beyond the Face Rosacea signs and symptoms may also develop beyond the face, most commonly on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
Treatment of Rosacea
Various oral and topical medications may be prescribed to treat the bumps, pimples and redness often associated with the disorder. Dermatologists usually prescribe initial treatment with oral antibiotics and topical therapy to bring the condition under immediate control, followed by long-term use of the topical therapy alone to maintain remission.
When appropriate, treatments with the Vbeam pulsed-dye laser, may be used to remove visible blood vessels, reduce extensive redness or correct disfigurement of the nose. Ocular rosacea may be treated with oral antibiotics and other therapy. Many patients are referred by Dermatologists to us for this treatment, and we are happy to provide a list of references to you upon request. We also carry very gentle cleansers and moisturizers that are specifically formulated for sensitive Rosacea skin.
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