Rosacea Treatments Available in Merrimack, NH
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that presents with recurrent facial flushing, as well as visible broken blood vessels and papules/pustules or acne like lesions to the face. Rosacea has also been associated with dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction, MGD. According to John Hopkins Medicine rosacea most commonly affects middle-aged, fair skinned women however men may also be affected by rosacea.
There are four types of rosacea.
- The first type is called erythematotelangiectatic. This is where the predominant symptoms are facial redness and visible broken blood vessels. This type of rosacea can flare and symptoms can come and go.
- The second type is papulopustular. The predominant symptom of the rosacea is acne like lesions that appear on the face. Patients with this form of rosacea often benefit from ultrasonic facials to help clear the skin.
- The third type of rosacea is phymatous. The symptoms of rosacea cause facial swelling primarily of the cheeks or nose which can lead to the nose appearing more prominent which is a condition known as rhinophyma.
- The fourth type of rosacea affects the eyes. This type can lead to dry eye symptoms as well as the formation of styes and meibomian gland dysfunction.
What Triggers Rosacea Symptoms?
Patients often report facial flushing that is triggered by the consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, stress and hormonal changes. Environmental changes such as changes in temperature, hot or cold, can cause the immune system to overwork to try to maintain temperature and result in dilated blood vessels and facial flushing. Patients will often report a burning or stinging sensation to the skin.
How Is Rosacea Treated?
One of the most common first line agents for treating rosacea are topical and oral forms of the antibiotic doxycycline as well as topical azelaic acid or metronidazole which are intended to reduce the pimple and acne like lesions. An alternative to these treatments for this form of rosacea are ultrasonic facials and chemical peels designed to unclog the skin and decrease inflammation.
Patients that are bothered by broken blood vessels and facial flushing often benefit from intense pulsed light, IPL/photorejuvenation or laser treatments which target hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin in the tissue thereby reducing the appearance of the blood vessels and redness of the skin. After a few IPL or laser treatments patients will often report less flaring and decreased flushing of the skin.
Schedule Your Appointment With Us Now
Say goodbye to rosacea redness and hello to confidence!
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call at (603) 882-9334 to schedule an appointment.
