Treatment for Vascular Rosacea
Vascular rosacea is a subtype of the chronic disorder, rosacea, and the exact cause is unknown. It involves an excessive reaction of facial blood vessels to certain stimuli, such as heat, alcohol, smoke, spicy foods and sunlight. The symptoms of vascular rosacea include oily skin, flushing, redness and inflammation (erythema) of the cheeks, nose and sometimes other areas of the face and dilated or broken capillaries and blood vessels (telangiectasia). Vascular rosacea usually does not respond well to oral or topical treatment, however, there are other effective treatment options.
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Laser Treatment
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Intense pulsed light (photofacial) laser treatment is used to improve vascular rosacea's symptoms of red, hot skin and visible capillaries. Multi-wavelength, high-intensity laser light pulses are applied to the affected skin. The light pulses damage the tissue and capillaries, allowing the body to shed the damaged skin and slowly reveal new skin. Several treatments may be necessary, and there is little or no recovery period as the treatments are non-invasive and non-ablative.
Vbeam Pulsed Dye Laser
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The Vbeam pulsed dye laser issues gentle pulses of light to the skin that are absorbed by the affected capillaries and blood vessels. A cooling (cryogen) spray precedes each laser pulse to soothe and protect the skin. This treatment reduces red and inflamed capillaries and blood vessels associated with vascular rosacea. Several treatments may be required, and most patients are ready to resume activities within 24 hours of each treatment.
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Photopneumatic therapy
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Photopneumatic therapy uses an Isolaz laser to deliver light wavelengths along with suction to reduce the symptoms in vascular rosacea. Photopneumatic therapy is gentle, quick and painless, and allows the patient to resume activities immediately. Patients also get the added benefit of pore cleansing from this procedure. Usually, three photopneumatic therapy treatments are recommended.
GentleYag Laser
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The GentleYag laser emits a high-energy, long-pulse laser beam to treat broken or inflamed capillaries in vascular rosacea patients. The GentleYag laser also uses a cryogen spray to soothe and protect the skin. It is a comfortable procedure and surrounding skin is not affected. Results can be noticed within a few hours after treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy
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Photodynamic therapy (light activated drug therapy) can reverse the damage of vascular rosacea. Deep cleansing or microdermabrasion of the face is performed, followed by application of the photosensitizing agent, Levulan. The Levulan is left on for up to 60 minutes and washed off, leaving residuals of the agent in the skin that makes skin cells ultra-sensitive to light. Wavelengths of light are applied to activate the residuals of the Levulan, which effectively destroys the affected tissue and blood vessels. The face is washed again and sunscreen is applied. A recovery time of up to one week may be needed as dead skin flakes away and new skin is revealed.
Complementary Treatments
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In addition to the above therapies, some doctors prescribe complementary treatments such as topical or oral antibiotics, sapphire abrasion and erbium skin peels.
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