Rosacea is a condition that causes redness and dilated blood vessels of the face and in some cases acne-type pimples, enlarged nose, and red, sensitive, or sty-prone eyelids.
Although nobody knows the cause of rosacea, the current theory considers it an inflammatory disease, possibly due to the face’s overactive response to bacteria on the skin that are part of our normal flora( there are many bacteria on the skin that are supposed to be there and don’t hurt us: these are called the normal flora).
There are 4 types of rosacea, but types 1 and 2 are the most common.
Type 1 Rosacea
Type 1 is redness and dilate blood vessels only. This is a very common type.
Type 2 Rosacea
Type 2 is Type 1 plus acne-like breakouts. Most of the prescription medications for rosacea are focused on treating the acne component. Oral antibiotics such as Oracea, Doxycycline, and Minocycline along with topical antibiotics like metronidazole or azelaic acid (Finacea) can help immensely with the breakouts associated with rosacea. The redness though typically requires topical treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and calming. The linear and branching dilated blood vessels that one can see individually require laser therapy to improve them. In addition to improving those, they also can treat the background redness of the rosacea, which is caused by multiple very small blood vessels that aren’t visible individually. The lasers we use at Advanced Dermatology for this include the VBeam, Genesis, and the Elight SRA device. Dr. Taub has published a paper on the effectiveness of the Elight SRA for rosacea.
Rosacea patients typically have very sensitive skin and have to be careful about avoiding irritating products. Avoiding fragrance in products as well as in laundry detergent and fabric softener (these often linger in pillowcases and can come into contact with the face during sleep). Skincare product strategies should be carefully considered in consultation with a professional skincare provider (dermatologist or esthetician). skinfo® skincare specialists are licensed estheticians who can help you plan your skincare.
Type 3 Rosacea
Skin Type 3 is called rhinophyma when the nose tissue grows and makes the nose appear to be larger.
Type 4 Rosacea
Rosacea Type 4 is ocular (eye) rosacea, which can make the eyes feel gritty, the lids look red and the person effected have frequent styes (chalazion).
