Conditions › Skin › Rosacea

When our cheeks turn red, it can usually be attributed to something temporary and harmless, like a blush of embarrassment or a flush of heat. But for some people, that redness is a constant battle. Rosacea affects over 14 million people in the US.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, leading to redness, visible blood vessels, and, often, small red bumps. It commonly occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. 

The condition usually starts with frequent blushing or flushing, and over time, the redness becomes persistent, accompanied by other symptoms like burning sensations, stinging, and sensitivity. Although anyone can develop rosacea, it tends to be more prevalent in fair-skinned individuals over 30 and more common in women than men.

Rosacea Guilford

There are four primary types of rosacea, each with its own characteristics. These are:

  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Characterized by persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes swelling.
  • Papulopustular rosacea: In addition to redness and blood vessels, this subtype includes the formation of papules and pustules that may resemble acne.
  • Phymatous rosacea: This subtype results in thickened and bumpy skin, commonly affecting the nose, leading to a condition known as rhinophyma.

Ocular rosacea: Involves eye-related symptoms like dryness, irritation, and redness of the eyes and eyelids.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact cause of rosacea remains unknown. It’s believed that rosacea may be a symptom of certain medical conditions, microscopic skin mites, infections, and malfunctions in a protein in your skin. A board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Langdon can help you assess the root cause of your rosacea and address it.

People with rosacea tend to have specific triggers that make the condition flare up. Common rosacea triggers include:

  • Extreme heat or cold
  • Sun exposure and harsh wind
  • Alcohol and spicy foods
  • Stress
  • Some cosmetic products
  • Hormonal changes
  • Strenuous exercise

Identifying your rosacea triggers is one of the best ways to manage it. A few simple lifestyle changes can help you minimize flare-ups.

While rosacea has no cure, various treatments can help manage and alleviate its symptoms. The choice of treatment often depends on the severity of the condition and the specific subtype of rosacea. 

The best way to determine your rosacea type and find the most effective treatment is to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Langdon. After assessing your skin, he’ll discuss your treatment options, which may include topical creams, oral antibiotics, or laser therapy.

The Langdon Center offers multiple laser and light therapy treatments to reduce rosacea and help you achieve a clear complexion. Dr. Langdon may recommend one of the following treatment options.

CO2 Laser

CO2 laser resurfacing can be used to address various skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. The treatment utilizes a carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. CO2 laser treatments are often effective in treating wrinkles, scars, pigmentation issues, and other skin irregularities, including rosacea.

PicoSure Laser Facial

The cutting-edge PicoSure device employs a pigment-seeking technology to effectively address hyperpigmentation, such as redness from rosacea. By utilizing short energy pulses, it breaks down excess pigment, enabling the body to absorb the particles naturally.

PiQo4 Laser

The powerful PiQo4 laser has four distinct wavelengths of energy. In addition to its use for tattoo removal, PiQo4 can fade pigmented age spots (sunspots), hyperpigmentation, and redness. The device’s fractional mode concentrates laser energy into minuscule spots, targeting deeper pigmentation concerns like melasma and rosacea.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL, short for intense pulsed light, is a light therapy technique used for skin rejuvenation, commonly known as a PhotoFacial. This treatment effectively addresses signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and other concerns. IPL treatments are often considered a gentler alternative to laser resurfacing that still yields exceptional results.

Take the next step.

To learn more about rosacea or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Dermatologist Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.

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