Rosacea and Facial Veins

Rosacea was originally called acne rosacea because some patients develop skin pustules familiar to regular acne. Rosacea is a common, chronic facial skin disorder that typically evolves in stages. It first manifests as recurrent episodes of flushing in response to stress, exertion, alcohol or extremely hot temperatures. As the disease evolves, the flushing becomes more pronounced and persistent. Over time, blood vessels in the cheeks, nose, and chin can become weakened and abnormally dilated or enlarged. The skin always looks red and irritated. In the worst cases, (usually in men), disfiguring swelling and nodules form on the nose – a condition called rhinophyma.

No one knows exactly what causes rosacea but a hereditary tendency is likely as it most commonly affects fair-skinned individuals of Celtic or Northern European heritage. It is also more common in women than men and tends to appear between the ages of 25-55. Rosacea cannot be cured but it can be controlled by avoiding common triggers such as: emotional or physical stress, heavy exercise, extremely hot temperatures, ingestion of alcohol, spicy foods, tomatoes and some cheeses.

Treatment of Rosacea usually requires several avenues of care. Protection against sunlight with appropriate sunscreen is foremost. Many people respond to topical medications that contain antibiotics or sulfa to help kill yeast and mites known as Demodex that are thought to drive rosacea outbreaks. These treatments generally provide mild improvement and will not reverse long-term changes such as dilated facial veins, persistent redness, and rhinophyma.

To permanently improve the redness, flushing, and facial veins associated with rosacea, vascular-specific laser treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light and Photodynamic therapy provide the greatest success. It generally requires two to six treatment sessions scheduled six to eight weeks apart to cause significant improvement. IPL and Photodynamic therapy treatments have also been shown to reduce the “acne” bumps associated with rosacea and improve sun damage including age spots, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation.

Dr. Moskowitz offers a wide array of skin care products designed for the sensitive skin of rosacea. If you have any questions regarding our treatment of rosacea, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for consultation.