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Treatable Conditions > Rosacea

Because of the skin pustules similiar to common acne which can appear with rosacea, the condition was initially referred to as "Acne Rosacea". Rosacea, a skin disease, evolves by stages -- the earliest signs are recurring episodic blushing, which eventually becomes abnormal redness or deep red erythema laced with spider veins. Rosacea patients will experience "flushing", a darkening of the rosacea patches due to outside stressors or sensitivity to food and drink. The disease is common during the twenties and thirties, and can often peak between forty and fifty years of age. The very worst rosacea sufferers can have swelling and redness to the point of becoming disfigured. In particular, rhinophyma (disfigurement of the nose) may develop over time. Fair-skinned people, especially of Celtic or North European descent, are prone to rosacea, although it is considered a common condition among all peoples. In the earlier stages of the disease, women are more affected than men, by a ratio of three to one. Men, however, exhibit the swelling and rhinophyma more often than women. Some factors that contribute to rosacea include genetics, gastrointestinal disturbance, and bacteria. Rosacea is always impacted by exposure to sunlight however, so skin protection is extremely important.

Rosacea manifests itself in different symptoms, principally the appearance of red blotches on the face and upper torso. In addition to facial redness, principally on the cheeks, it can often appear on the neck, as well as the V-shaped upper chest area. Patients will "flush", brightening the rosacea spots, if exposed to things that cause skin temperature to modulate, like exposure to the sun, heat, or cold. In addition, strong emotional response, exercise, and exposure to chemical irritants can cause flushing. Even certain foods, like spices, hot drinks, or alcohol will cause the rosacea patch to redden. If left untreated, over time the stimulation of these patches can lead to permanent redness.

Treatment of rosacea typically requires several avenues of care. Protection against sunlight is foremost. There are topical medications such as Metrogel or Retin-A, but those have proven to be only moderately successful. More severe disease requires treatment with topical and oral antibiotics. However, to resolve the redness, flushing, and facial spiders veins common with rosacea, treatment with a laser or Intense Pulsed Light/BBL source is easily the best solution. Prior to the development of IPL/BBL, treatment by lasers caused significant bruising on the patient's face. Results were gradual, but fairly consistent. The IPL/BBL system can deliver energy to the facial blood vessels without causing bruising, resulting in resolution of these blood vessels. More importantly, the persistent flushing and blushing can now be significantly reduced with IPL/BBL treatments. Patients can experience periods of minimal to no flushing even when having an alcoholic beverage or hot drink. Also, a beneficial effect associated with treatment of the flushing, patients have experienced improved texture of the skin similar to the results obtained with Photorejuvenation.

Located in the Kansas City area since 2001, AethetiCare is one of the leading aesthetic centers in the Midwest. AesthetiCare has the most advanced technology available including 14 laser/light systems on site. Our experienced medical aesthetic staff looks forward to providing you with the best care available. Our consultations are always complimentary and our primary goals are to educate you in regards to your skin/condition and provide the most effective, proven solutions.

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