Rosacea

Rosacea (diffuse, pink discoloration of the face) is a very common condition seen predominantly in light-skinned men and women (although it has been described in African Americans). The main features of rosacea include sensitivity to the sun, easy blushing, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias), diffuse redness of the cheeks, nose, chin, and/or forehead with sparing of the eyelids, and pimples (papules and pustules). Rare cases of bulbous thickening of the nose or chin (phymatous changes) occur in some patients. The cause of rosacea is unknown, although sun damage, abnormal vascular physiology, and oil gland hyperactivity may be factors. Genetic susceptibility may also contribute.

In all instances, rigorous sun avoidance and sun protection with high SPF sunscreens and wide-brimmed hats are crucial to a favorable outcome and minimizing recurrences.

Possible treatments:

• Topical agents
• Oral medications
• Aurora® (Intense Pulsed Light + Radiofrequency (ELOS))
• Photodynamic therapy
• Diolite® laser
• CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing for rhinophyma

The Diolite with the Scanlite (a fractionated form of the 532nm Diode Laser) has proved itself to be very effective in treating some resistant cases of rosacea