There are many treatments for rosacea, but no treatment is one-size-fits-all. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by red colored flare-ups and remissions, and if not treated, the red color may become darker and more persistent over time. It usually appears on the face, but it may also occur on the chest, neck, ears or scalp. The exact cause is not known, but there are recognized triggers for flare-ups, and these triggers can be treated. Sometimes bumps that resemble acne appear in the red areas that may be caused by factors such as poor blood flow, microscopic skin mites, skin bacteria, irritated hair follicles and sun damage.
When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Lazor, your rosacea will be examined and possible triggers identified. The symptoms of rosacea vary substantially from one person to the next. Some people have more red and flushing while others may have pimples and bumps. Below are some common treatments for rosacea.
The first treatment for mild forms of rosacea is to identify and avoid triggers. These may be environmental or lifestyle factors. What causes a flare-up for one person may not cause one for another. A few of the most common triggers are sun exposure, very hot or cold weather, emotional stress, alcohol consumption, heavy exercise and spicy foods.
Oral and topical therapy is often used to treat the pimples and bumps. This is usually an initial treatment to bring the symptoms under control. Antibiotics are used in some cases, but it is not clear why they work. Doctors believe their anti-inflammatory properties may cause remission. Topical antibiotic creams may also be prescribed such as tetracycline and doxycycline. However, these are not recommended for long-term use.
Other medications used to control rosacea are azeliac acid gels, sulfur drugs and cardiovascular medication. Tests may be conducted to determine which drugs work for a particular person and which do not have any effect.
New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center offers specialized laser therapy to remove visible blood vessels and reduce widespread redness. This is the main treatment for severe rosacea. The laser light targets the small blood vessels that are just under the skin and causes them to disintegrate. In most cases, at least three laser treatments are required for the best results. This treatment has helped many patients control their rosacea, and some even find that their condition improves.
If you are interested in treating your rosacea, schedule a consultation with us to learn more about laser treatment. If this treatment is right for you, we can also help you identify your condition triggers and keep your condition under control in the future. We can also help you come up with a skin-care routine designed to help your skin stay clear. You don’t have to let rosacea control your life. To learn more about rosacea laser treatment and the many other services we offer, schedule an appointment with New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Weymouth today.