Rosacea
Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood disease of the facial blood vessels affecting an estimated fourteen million Americans.
The underlying problem in rosacea is hyper-reactivity of the facial blood vessels. Normal facial blood vessels dilate in warm temperatures to cool the face. Normal patients do not have redness of the face even in very warm temperatures. The facial vessels in rosacea patients, however, over react to normal stimuli causing abnormal flushing and redness. Over time, the vessels dilate more and more until they are permanently damaged. When vessels are damaged, they begin to leak fluid and immune complexes into the skin causing permanent skin damage.
Rosacea can also have serious social and occupational consequences. Many patients report lowered self-esteem and self-confidence. Rosacea patients sometimes avoid public, work, and social engagements
Treatment
BBL™Broadband light: BBL is an innovative light technology that uses a broad-spectrum pulse of light that focuses on facial blood vessels without damaging surrounding facial tissue. BBL is the mainstay of rosacea treatment today because it is safe, effective, and the only type of therapy that treats the underlying diseased blood vessels. Most patients get dramatic improvement with 3-5 treatments at 3-4 week intervals. Patients have minimal discomfort and little if any downtime during therapy.
Oral and topical antibiotics: Antibiotics are often effective in the treatment of the skin damage of rosacea. Antibiotics are probably effective because of their anti-inflammatory properties rather than their anti-bacterial effects. A common topical antibiotic is MetroGel® (metronidazole). A commonly used oral antibiotic is doxycycline.
Accutane®: Low dose Accutane is effective in the treatment of the skin damage of rosacea. Since BBL cannot be performed within six months of the use of Accutane, BBL treatments are recommended first to treat blood vessels before Accutane therapy is commenced. The manufacturer of Accutane must certify physicians before they can prescribe the drug. Dr. Manley is an authorized Accutane prescriber.
Skincare therapy: Stop using irritating skincare products. Especially avoid steroids as they will thin and damage the skin. Micronized zinc oxide (at least 8%) or dimethicone may help. Patients should use sunscreens but only if they are well tolerated. If not, the face should be shielded from the sun whenever possible.
Oral antihypertensives (clonidine, nadolol): Certain blood pressure medications may reduce flushing with physical activity. These drugs may be used in combination with BBL in patients who have problems with exercise-induced flushing.
More information: Get more information on Rosacea by reading Beating Rosacea by Dr. Geoffrey Nase or go to the following web sites:
