Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting the blood vessels in the central part of the face. It is especially prevalent amongst people within the 30-60 age range with most patients being light-skinned with light-coloured eyes. While the cause of this condition remains unknown and it cannot be effectively cured, its symptoms can be controlled through medical guidance and certain changes in the patient’s lifestyle. In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent signs of rosacea and shed light on various treatment methods the effectiveness of which has been proven in modern medicine.
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The most common rosacea symptoms
The condition is usually characterized by redness of the skin, with itching and rashes occurring throughout some phases of the disease. A typical rosacea symptom is the appearance of paroxysmal redness affecting either the entire skin of the face or a particular spot owing to the presence of a provoking factor. Symptoms can be triggered by consumption of hot or carbonated drinks, spicy food, alcohol or sudden temperature changes in the environment – from cold to warm and vice versa.
Common risk factors you should watch out for
A combination of several factors can lead to the development of rosacea. Some individuals, for instance, are genetically predisposed to the condition. Another potential cause is the sensitive reaction of blood vessels under the influence of certain triggers. Ultraviolet radiation is also a prominent risk factor that is commonly associated with the occurrence of the disease, as are two microorganisms which some dermatologists relate to rosacea in the cases where a pre-existing responsive gene can be identified.
The first microorganism is a parasite (Demodex folliculorum) that finds a suitable environment for development on the skin of genetically predisposed to the appearance of rosacea patients. The second microorganism is the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, often found in the stomachs of people suffering from the condition. However, there isn’t a scientific reason to believe that the existence of Helicobacter pylori in the gastrointestinal tract is always a sign of predisposition to rosacea.
Treatment methods
Rosacea can be treated by the means of several approaches. Among the most widely used by dermatologists nowadays are:
- Treatment with antibiotic creams: This method is mostly used in treating the skin of the face. In cases where the Demodex folliculorum parasite is present, antiparasitic agents must also be applied. The aim of this treatment is to reduce the inflammatory reactions within those areas where the blood vessels display more severe reactions.
- Treatment with oral medication: This method is usually applied when the condition has developed to a more advanced stage and the use of antibiotic creams alone is not sufficient to provide the desired results.
- Laser treatment: This method has an increasing popularity in the field of dermatology. It targets the blood vessels, which tend to increase in size and form networks of capillaries due to the repeated inflammatory processes associated with rosacea. The laser systems designed to treat the condition shrink the large vessels and strengthen their walls to reduce redness of the skin.
Modern technologies for effective treatment
Ultra modern platforms such as Alma Lasers’ Harmony XL Pro are now available to dermatologists, which combine different laser wavelengths and cover the entire spectrum of vessel colors, from blue and dark purple to light red. Regardless of whether they are located on the face or the body, on the principle of selective photothermolysis, the energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels. In that way, they are effectively destroyed and reduced.
With larger vessels, it is recommended to start laser exposure once every month. As the larger vessels constrict, the smaller ones respond directly by constricting as well. A visible effect and a significant reduction of skin pigmentation can be achieved with only a few procedures. In most cases, the recommended number of treatments is between 4 to 6. However, it is important to keep in mind that results vary and the treatment duration is determined above all by the vessels’ reaction to this type of therapy.
Patients treated with modern laser technology are also required to follow a nutritional regimen, to enhance and maintain the results of the procedures. It is desirable to avoid food and drinks which could have a strong impact on the vascular wall, such as wine, alcohol, carbonated water, spicy food, etc.
What to expect during laser treatment procedures
After meticulously cleansing the skin, the dermatologist treats the vascular lesion with a special applicator that provides better contact between the tip of the device and the skin surface. For instance, Harmony XL Pro is one of the most effective and advanced platforms for the treatment of rosacea because it uses a combination of two technologies with different wavelengths – Dye-VL 500-600 nm and LP 1064 nm Nd: YAG. It also has a built-in cooling system and provides a more effective treatment of a wide range of vascular lesions of different sizes and depths. The discomfort with this procedure is minimal, with only a slight feeling of warming of the skin, and therefore, no anesthesia is required.
Is rosacea prevention possible with laser treatment?
Preventative care is often underestimated by patients. Yet, early treatment, applied when the condition has not developed to a more severe stage, would not only require fewer procedures, but could also “teach” the skin how to react correctly when exposed to triggering factors in the future.
The “right” time for rosacea treatment
The fall and winter season is usually the best time to undergo laser treatment for rosacea. This is due to the reduced ultraviolet radiation from the sun throughout this time of the year. Before submitting to skin treatments, it is always advisable to thoroughly discuss the potential risks of sun exposure and the importance of UV protection with your dermatologist.