Rosacea is a relatively common chronic and progressive skin condition that usually causes flushing, redness, swelling, pimples and visible tiny broken blood vessels of the face. It most commonly appears on the nose, mid-forehead, cheeks and chin but can also be seen on the ears, chest, back, or eyes. Eye involvement occurs in about 50% of rosacea cases, and presents as redness and irritation of the eyes and conjunctiva.

Rosacea is often called “adult acne” because of the inflammation and pimples that can occur. This condition occurs mostly in fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 and 50, but can also affect men, women of other ages, and children. Associated flushing and redness can be triggered by hot or spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, embarrassment, and exposure to the sun or heat.

While rosacea is only a skin condition and is not related to a patient's general health, its appearance is the usual reason for treatment. The progression of rosacea can often be well-controlled with a combination of treatments. Self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended as many over-the-counter products may make rosacea worse.

At Black Hills Dermatology and Laser Surgery Centre, our skin care team is all too familiar with the frustrating aspects of rosacea. We carefully design skin care plans for our patients based on individual needs, and can remarkably improve the unsightly appearance of rosacea for most people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Prevention
Since rosacea flares under certain conditions, patients do well to avoid common causes of redness and flushing. Avoiding sun exposure, overheating, the ingestion of spicy foods and alcohol (especially red wine), skin irritants and facial scrubbing and rubbing are good practices.

Skin Care Products
Appropriate cleansers, moisturizers, and sunblocks can significantly help control rosacea for many people. Our cosmeceutical pharmacy carries several dermatologist-researched, herbal-based skin care products that can decrease the redness of rosacea. Sunblock is essential.



Prescription Medications
Medicated gels, lotions, and creams may be prescribed to calm the inflammation (redness) of rosacea and control the acne component. Although rosacea is not an infectious disease, certain oral antibiotics can be helpful but are usually considered after topical treatments fail as there are many potential side-effects.

V-Beam Laser Photorejuvenation Treatments
Laser Photorejuvenation is the Centre’s most popular “lunch-time laser facial” and is performed routinely by Dr. Young to destroy unsightly facial blood vessels commonly associated with rosacea. This revolutionary laser procedure reduces age-related pigment changes and increases periorbital collagen. A series of three 15-minute treatments delivered at 2-week intervals is recommended for maximum results with zero “down-time.” The most commonly seen side-effect of this treatment is mild pinkness that usually resolves within 4 hours. Sunblock and protective Via Rx powder makeup may be applied (and are recommended) immediately following treatments.