Rosacea - Facial Flushing Treatment

Rosacea is a common skin disorder. It affects an estimated 14 million Americans, but almost 80% of us have never heard of Rosacea. Why? Because even many people with Rosacea don't know that they have the disorder, and they believe the redness, bumps, and pimple-like lesions are acne or a simple complexion problem.

Rosacea is not curable, but it can be controlled when a consistent management program is followed. This will include the use of topical treatments, possibly non-ablative* laser and or light treatments to remove redness caused by broken veins in the skin, and by learning to avoid triggers combined with necessary skin protection. (*Non-ablative lasers do not affect the skin surface and there is no removal of skin.)

Rosacea Triggers
What Rosacea looks like and Rosacea Signs
Non-ablative Vbeam laser Treatment

It is very important for people with Rosacea to see a doctor and get effective treatment. Rosacea may show up as simple persistent flushing to extremely red, irritated skin with multiple pimples and pustules. Since Rosacea is NOT acne, it is not treated the same.

Step 1 of a Rosacea management program begins with Metrogel, Finacea and if appropriate, oral antibiotics or the new Rosacea medication Oracea. Proper skin care products are essential as Rosacea skin is sensitive and must be treated gently.

Special cleansers containing gluconolactone - an ingredient which improves skin texture, dryness, erythema (redness) and overall irritation in sensitive skin.
Moisturizers which contain green tea, the Kinerase moisturizers,  and Quadrinone all help Rosacea specifically. Quadrinone is effective in relieving the redness, roughness, scaling and dryness commonly associated with Rosacea.
Sunblocks which contain zinc oxide (a physical sunblock) are especially effective for Rosacea as many chemical suncreens can irritate inflamed skin.

Metrogel (in gel, lotion or cream) is a form of topical antibiotic specifically developed and used for Rosacea sufferers.

Oracea is the new FDA approved oral medication for pimples and pustules of Rosacea. More about Oracea and the Oracea $35 instant Rebate Card.

Finacea contains azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne and Rosacea.
Oral antibiotics are added if required.

Step 2 requires that you understand your Rosacea triggers and do what you can to avoid them. Also, making simple changes in your lifestyle habits can directly improve your skin's behavior.

Step 3 involves the use of the nonablative Vbeam laser and/or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments to remove or reduce existing broken facial veins. In particularly resistant cases, Dr. Pilest will alternate Vbeam and IPL. For these treatments to be most effective, a series of 5-6 with maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 months is required.

An overall program can have your skin looking normal, be smooth and free of acne and will help prevent the progressive damage that Rosacea can cause if left untreated.

About 30% of people with mild Rosacea will progress to more severe forms. Rhinophyma, the bumpy nose condition, occurs in about 5% of patients with Rosacea. In a recent survey by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70% of Rosacea sufferers said the condition has lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported that the condition has caused them to recoil from public contact and social engagements.

Treatment of Facial Rosacea with Vbeam Laser

Overview, signs, triggers. photos and treatment of Rosacea

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Flushing. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your primary doctor about your symptoms.

Everyday causes of minor facial flushing:

• Embarrassment
• Blushing
• Anger
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Guilt
• Strong emotion
• Rosacea
• Exercise
• Sex
• Alcohol
• Alcohol intolerance - may cause flushing after only a single alcoholic drink.
• Spicy food
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Hot flash
• Hyperthyroidism
• Fever
• Heatstroke
• Sunburn
• Dehydration
• Circulatory disorders
• Lung disorders
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions
• Certain medication