Laser Treatment for Rosacea: Answers to Your Skin Condition Questions

Rosacea is a common summer skin complaint because flare-ups are often associated with variable weather conditions and heat. The reddening of the skin caused by rosacea can be embarrassing and hard to hide with cosmetics.  Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers laser rosacea treatment to diminish the appearance of redness on the face and body. Below are answers to some of your frequently asked questions about rosacea to help you get started.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is often confused with acne; however, they are two distinct skin conditions.  Rosacea is redness in the cheeks, forehead, chin, or nose caused by enlarged blood vessels. There are four distinct types of rosacea. The first is characterized by redness on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Suffers of type two rosacea experience persistent redness as well as bumps and/or pimple-like pustules. Diagnosis of type three rosacea is based solely on the enlargement of the flesh on the nose, while type four rosacea is characterized by eye irritation.

What causes rosacea?

The exact root cause of rosacea is unknown though there are many theories surrounding its source. The redness associated with rosacea is produced by over-dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Various triggers can cause the skin to flush but are dependent on each patient’s individual case.

What triggers rosacea flare-ups?

As stated before, rosacea flare-ups are different for each person. Some of the most common triggers include both lifestyle factors like emotional stress or environmental factors such as sun exposure, hot or cold weather, strong wind, certain skin care products, spicy food, alcoholic beverages, heavy exercise, hot beverages, hot baths or anything that causes heavy sweating. What may cause a flare-up in one person with rosacea may have no effect on another, which is why it’s important to know your triggers and avoid them if possible.

How long does rosacea last?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition as opposed to a short-term condition, and is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Patients who receive medical or laser therapy can diminish the recurrence of symptoms.

Can rosacea be cured?

Because there is no known cause of rosacea, there is no cure available.  However, certain laser treatments can reduce the appearance of redness associated with rosacea by targeting the blood vessels that dilate to cause a flushed appearance.  Heat from the laser causes the blood vessels to disintegrate and be eliminated by the immune system.

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