Rosacea (roe-ZAY-shuh) is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, pus-filled bumps. There is currently no cure for this condition. Treatments generally revolve around reducing and controlling symptoms. Common first line treatments include azelaic acid, metronidazole (RX), Soolantra (RX) and retinoids. All of the above mentioned treatments are only applied during flare-ups and will only shorten the duration and intensity of the flare-up. These topicals do not reduce the incidence or reduce the chronic redness of the face between flare-ups. The great news is we have 2 additional treatments to tackle incidence and the stubborn redness associated with this condition.
1. BOTOX for ROSACEA
How it works:
It is suspected that when Botox blocks acetylcholine from the peripheral autonomic nerves of the cutaneous vasodilatory system flushing and rosacea is improved. Botox also inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators like substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide which have a relevant effect in vasodilation. The reduction in all these mediators can lead to a reduction in localized skin inflammation and allow the erythema (redness) to fade out.
2. BBL (Broad Band Light) for ROSACEA
(Yes, this the same laser you’ve recently seen Kim Kardashian posting about):
How it works:
Exposure of affected skin to BBL lasers can eliminate visible blood vessels and stimulate the body to produce more collagen and new, fresh skin. Most rosacea patients note that after a course of BBL laser treatments, their persistently red facial skin is no longer red and their blood vessels are no longer visible. Although BBL laser treatment can improve the appearance of the skin during and between flare-ups, and can reduce the incidence of flare-ups, it is not a cure. Most individuals have the best results if they continue to use medications during flare-ups in conjunction with BBL laser treatments, as well as trying to avoid triggers.
What is Soolantra?
In 2015 a topical cream containing ivermectin (Soolantra) was approved by the FDA for treating flare-ups of rosacea. This compound is widely used to control parasites, and it is thought to be acting in rosacea to suppress Demodex mites, suggesting they may play a role in this condition. Demodex mites are tiny mites found in everyone’s skin that don’t usually cause any signs or symptoms. In immunosuppressed humans and in humans with hypersensitivity to the mites, a variety of different dermatological conditions, including loss of the eyelashes and scalp hair, can occur. Therefore, some kind of immune suppression or hypersensitivity to mites may be involved in the etiology of rosacea; these theories are currently being studied.
What can contribute to rosacea flare-ups?
Stress
Exposure to the sun or strong winds
Exposure to extreme cold or extreme heat
Exercise
Some cosmetics
Some medications
Eating spicy foods
Consuming alcohol
If you have hit a wall with topicals for rosacea and would like to take alternative approach to address the condition please contact us to schedule your complimentary consult today.
Tracy Holzman NP-C
@tracyholzmannp
Amanda Muiter RN
@amandaraenp
Victoria Kartseva Master Aesthetician
@v_medesthetics
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