Rosacea is an embarassing skin condition that is often genetic. Rocasea causes the skin to flare up and redden, usually in the cheek area, which can give the patient rosy, Santa Clause cheeks. It is commonly seen in people with fair or light skin, and particularly in those of Irish and Scottish backgrounds. Rosacea can have the appearance of acne or a sunburn and has been incurable, until now.
Everyone is entitled to fresh, naturally flawless skin. If you suffer from moderate to heavy rosecea, then it may be time to look into laser treatments. Dermatologists have been treating rosacea by using lasers since the mid 1980s. Today, an ever-increasing number of lasers and a non-laser light therapy called intense pulsed light (IPL) are available for treating rosacea. Recently, a few studies investigated the effectiveness and potential side effects of using lasers and IPL to treat rosacea. Here are the findings along with some general information about these devices.
Lasers
Today, lasers are used to treat these signs of rosacea:
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Dilated blood vessels
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Persistent redness
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Thickening skin on nose and cheeks (also known as rhinophyma)
The pulsed dye laser (PDL) has been used for years to treat the flushing and visible blood vessels of rosacea. Recently, a study looked at the effects of treating 16 patients with one or more of these signs of rosacea — flushing, persistent redness, and visible blood vessels.
After just one treatment, every patient in the study experienced significant improvement. With two treatments, redness decreased up to 40% to 60%. Patients also reported reductions in flushing, burning, itching, dryness, swelling, and sensitivity, which they said significantly improved their quality of life. Side effects included crusting and spots of darkened skin on the treated areas. These side effects were successfully treated. All improvements were maintained from one treatment to the next.
This study also found that effectiveness increases when the pulsed dye laser causes temporary bruising, which may last for 1 to 2 weeks. While bruise-free treatment is possible with some of the newer pulsed dye lasers, researchers concluded that inducing bruising leads to a consistent decrease in redness and other symptoms, such as burning and itching. The researchers firmly believe that inducing bruising increases effectiveness. They also realize that this may not be acceptable for some patients.1
Other lasers used to treat visible blood vessels include the KTP laser, diode laser, and Nd:YAG laser. These lasers are less likely to cause bruising. Each is used to treat single, large, visible blood vessels. Findings indicate that these lasers may not be as effective in reducing redness as the pulsed dye laser.
Some patients with longstanding rosacea develop thickening skin on the nose and cheeks, which is called rhinophyma. The CO2 laser and erbium:YAG laser can be used to remove this thickening skin and improve the contour of the nose. Other surgical procedures used to treat this condition include dermabrasion and excision with a scalpel. Treatment options may be combined to obtain best results.
Dermatologists recommend early treatment of rhinophyma to help prevent the condition from progressing and becoming more difficult to treat. In the advanced stages, rhinophyma can cause difficulty breathing through the nose. It also is possible for the nostrils to collapse.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
A newer form of therapy, IPL uses a non-laser light source. The first IPL product received FDA approval in 1995 for treating fine dilated blood vessels on the face. Since then several other products have been approved. Recent studies conclude that IPL can safely and effectively reduce the following signs of rosacea in some patients:
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Dilated blood vessels
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Persistent redness
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Flushing
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Acne-like breakouts
To investigate the safety and effectiveness, four patients with dilated blood vessels and persistent redness received five IPL treatments, which were given at three-week intervals. Patients averaged a 30% drop in blood flow, a 29% reduction in visible blood vessels, and a 21% decrease in redness.2 Since only four patients were evaluated, these numbers cannot predict how people with rosacea in general will respond. Some dermatologists believe, IPL is more effective than these numbers indicate.
Another study looked at the effects of IPL treatment on the persistent redness, flushing, and breakouts associated with rosacea. In this study, 32 patients received between one and seven IPL treatments. Following treatment, 83% experienced reduced redness, 75% said they had less flushing and improved skin texture, and 64% reported fewer acne-like breakouts.3
As the above studies indicate, IPL is not effective for everyone. However, most patients notice some reduction in dilated blood vessels and redness after only one or two treatments. In one case, a patient’s flush response returned to normal. Side effects from IPL are temporary and include redness, swelling, bruising, and skin lightening.
Keep in mind that all patients are not a candidate for laser treatments for their rosacea, but researchers have found that most experience dramatic results. However, laser therapy is not a long term cure and patients are advised to work closely with their dermatologist to monitor breakouts and personal rosacea triggers.
