About Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment for Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition affecting many people. The symptoms of Rosacea are red flushed facial skin, visible blood vessels, and red bumps or pimples on the face. Rosacea is not a curable condition and has certain triggers such as stress, spicy foods, hot baths and alcohol. Treatments are all about control of the symptoms. Pulsed Dye Laser treatment is one of the ways that doctors have of controlling the symptoms of rosacea when outbreaks occur.

What Is Rosacea

Rosacea Effects Facial Skin

Rosacea is the most common skin disorder diagnosed by dermatologists. There is no single cause determined for Rosacea. Some studies suggest it is genetic, however, there are certain triggers for an outbreak of Rosacea in most people. Some theories suggest it is a blood vessel disorder where vessels swell and cause a reddening of the skin. Spicy foods, warm water and temperatures and alcohol can trigger outbreaks. Mostly affecting Caucasians, it is nearly three times more common in men than women.

The Pulsed Dye Laser

Protective Laser Eyewear

The Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) targets spots on the skin that are vascular in nature. These red areas are made up of blood vessels and blood. The Pulsed Dye Laser has a large spot size so large areas of the skin can be treated quickly and efficiently. The laser has a longer pulse period so the concentration on the effected area is prolonged. The PDL is a non-ablative laser treatment. For treatment of Rosacea, PDL was the first laser treatment to be used. Pulsed Dye Laser has been shown to reduce various symptoms of rosacea in one or two treatments

How Do Pulsed Dye Lasers Treat Rosacea

Consult An Experienced Doctor

The Pulsed Dye Laser emits laser light that targets blood vessels right below the skins surface. The heat from the laser is collected in the vessels, destroying them while leaving the surrounding skin intact. The Pulsed Dye Laser is safe and non-ablative and has been used for the treatment of Rosacea for 15 years.

What To Expect From Treatment

Avoid Sun Exposure

Don't tan prior to your treatment. Before your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic may be applied. The Pulse Dye Laser has cooling technology to minimize your level of discomfort. You and your doctor wear protective eye wear during the procedure. The laser is passed over the affected areas of the skin disintegrating the vascular lesions which are then absorbed by the body during the healing process. You may feel a stinging or snapping sensation while your doctor is treating you.

What to Expect After Treatment

Use Proper Skin Care and Sun Screen

After treatment you may experience a laser bruise called a pupa and redness or swelling in the treatment area. These side effects do not last more than a few days. Sometimes peeling may occur at the the treatment site. There is little to no down time with a Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, however you need to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen.

After Care for Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment

Laser Treatment

Any area of your skin treated with a laser must be protected from the sun. Always wear sunblock or sun screen and avoid sun exposure. Pulsed Dye Laser treatment is given in a series spaced three to four weeks apart, so consult with your doctor about your next treatment and use proper skin care.

Tips

The area of treatment may be swollen, use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and bruising. There is no specific cure for Rosacea so discuss with your doctor or health professional about specific expectations for your skin. Costs for Pulse Dye Laser Treatment vary. To treat one tiny spot, the cost could be $100, for the entire face the cost in treatment could be $1,500 to $2,000.

References

• Treatment for Rosacea
• Rosacea Treatment
• Laser Treatment