What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that is characterized by flushing and blushing. This is because the veins of people suffering from this condition appear in sun-exposed areas of the body. They may appear on the face, neck or chest. This condition affects both men and women. The condition is prevalent in the facial skin of light-skinned individuals in their twenties and thirties. Genetics also plays a role in whether this condition will manifest earlier or later than the average age. This condition is often accompanied by acne, general redness and dilated capillaries.
The sun greatly affects people suffering from the condition. It causes extra facial veins to expose themselves, which results in flushing. These extra veins, which don’t serve any function, fill up with blood more rapidly than other veins. Rosacea triggers that promote this filling up may include stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and spicy food. Exercise and sun exposure are some external triggers that can be impossible to avoid.
Light therapies for treating rosacea
Laser Treatment
Oxyhemoglobin in the blood absorbs light from lasers. This creates heat that destroys capillaries that contribute to the appearance of rosacea. These visible blood vessels are absorbed by the body for a period of three to four weeks. Once this is done, the facial redness diminishes.
Intense pulsed light
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another rosacea treatment option. IPL heats certain structures and chromophores, which results in their destruction and reabsorption. IPL greatly differs from lasers as its output is broad spectrum and can be modified using filters.
IPL is a rather delicate process that is dependent on many factors. For example, when there is too much pressure, it can compress vessels and blanch the skin. This makes it a less effective rosacea treatment. Other factors include tanned skin, anemic patients, dark skin pigments and patients on anticoagulants.
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Sources
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/meggen-and-peter-taylor/what-every-rosacea-suffer_b_9351790.html
Author - Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu
SPECIALTIES: Percutaneous aneurysm repair, endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, treatment for varicose veins, open vascular surgical procedures, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism treatment and aesthetic services.