Do you look like you’re blushing, even whenI Suffer from Rosacea: What Treatments Are Available? you’re not? Is your skin flushed whether you’re hot, cold or not? Are you embarrassed by your rosacea? Treatments options are available… and getting treatment is important. If left untreated, rosacea can progress to a more advanced form with puffy cheeks and an enlarged nose. If you have rosacea, come to the Santa Monica Laser and Skin Care Center for the help you need.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a very common skin condition characterized by persistent redness in the central portion of the face. About 14 million Americans are likely affected by rosacea.

Often, the first sign of rosacea is a tendency to blush easily. Over time, this progresses to consistent facial redness possibly with visible blood vessels, pimples and bumps. The redness tends to get worse with time. In some cases, it progresses to a point where the nose gets larger and bumpy (a condition known as rhinophyma). Children and adults can suffer from rosacea, but it is most common between 30-50 years of age.

How Is Rosacea Treated?

Dr. Amerian and Dr. Anterasian are both highly skilled practitioners in the treatment of rosacea. They utilize the latest research, the most effective medications and the best laser/light treatments available. Our ultimate goal is to leave each patient with healthy, glowing skin. We accomplish this by bringing inflammation and irritation under control and by treating broken capillaries, flushing and redness to improve the skin appearance. With proper treatment, we can control nearly every case of rosacea.

Rosacea is highly variable in how it manifests. Each treatment plan is highly customized to address your specific skin problems and concerns. Here are some treatments we may suggest:

  • Sunscreen: Everyone needs sunscreen, but for rosacea patients, it is especially important. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. If you have rosacea, opt for a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) rather than a chemical sunscreen, as they tend to be less irritating. Choose a minimum of SPF 30 and reapply every few hours. If you’re going to be outside, stay in the shade if you can and wear a wide brimmed hat.
  • Vbeam Perfecta Pulsed Dye Laser: Blood vessel lasers are an integral part of many rosacea treatment plans. We use the Vbeam Perfecta pulsed dye laser. The light from this laser is selectively absorbed by the red blood in the face. This then transfers to the blood vessel wall to narrow the blood vessels and shrink their size. This can greatly reduce facial redness. Generally, we recommend 3-5 treatments spaced a month apart.
  • Red Light LED Treatment: Red colored light has an anti-inflammatory effect. Using red light on the face can reduce redness and improve appearance.
  • Medications: Medications are a great complement to your treatment plan. Topical metronidazole is a topical antibiotic that is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that is useful to many rosacea patients. For patients with mild to moderate rosacea, we may recommend topical application of azelaic acid. For patients with acne symptoms and rosacea, sulfur products are often helpful. Cortisone creams can be used on a short-term basis to treat redness. We’ll work with you to find the right medications for your skin.

If you have rosacea, come get treatment and put an end to the redness and embarrassment this condition often brings. Call us today (310-829-9396) and schedule your appointment with us.