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Rosacea is a skin problem that causes people to flush
easily and develop redness, pimples, and thread veins
on their cheeks, nose and forehead. It often starts
in the second or third decade of life, and women are
more often affected than men. It is common, affecting
perhaps 10% of adults.
Given that rosacea affects the face, it can cause
significant psychological problems. The unpredictable
flushes can be mistaken for too much drinking. Many
people with rosacea find the rash on their face causes
them embarrassment and anxiety.
Flare-ups of rosacea are caused by triggers that stimulate
the blood vessels in the face to dilate, which causes
facial flushing. Common triggers are sun, exercise,
hot weather, emotional stress, spicy foods, alcohol,
and hot baths.
The
Possible Causes of Rosacea
The
exact cause of rosacea is unknown. One theory is
that it may be the result of highly reactive blood
vessels as well as inflammation and infection. Given
that rosacea causes increased warmth in the skin, bacteria
might be encouraged to grow, causing the pimples and
bumps. Tiny mites (Demodex folliculorum) that normally
live on our skin may also play a role: People who have
rosacea have more of these mites on their faces than
those who don't have the disease.
Many
people with this skin condition have a family
history of rosacea.
There may be some relationship between rosacea and
Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes an infection
in the gastrointestinal tract, although studies are
conflicting. It is unclear whether treatment for
this bacterium improves the symptoms of rosacea.
Rosacea
is not caused by alcohol or poor hygiene, as was
once believed. However, alcohol is considered
one
of the triggers for facial flushing and can cause
symptoms to get worse.
Some
people stay well by avoiding triggers of flushing
such as certain foods
and beverages, sunlight and
certain cosmetics. The active flare- ups when
spots break out
are best treated with antibiotic lotions to rub
on or as tablets to swallow. The better active
flare-ups are controlled, the fewer thread veins
are left behind.
Laser therapy is used to help the remaining redness
and broken veins.
Rosacea
Treatment
Advanced
Fluorescent Technology (AFT) Skin Rejuvenation treatment
has become a solution for many individuals battling
rosacea. The treatment helps control rosacea facial
flushing and in many cases, reduces the patient’s
need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics.
Dr.
Schusterman uses the Harmony™ system, which works
by exposing the afflicted skin to a series of AFT light
treatments. This technology allows blood vessels in
the rosacea lesions to be selectively heated and destroyed
without damaging surrounding, healthy tissue. Once
the vessel or lesion is impaired, the body begins its
natural healing process.
The number of treatments will depend on the outcome
that the patient desires, but a series of five treatments
varying from 15 to 45 minutes usually gives patients
optimal results. Treatments may be as frequent as every
three weeks and follow-up treatments may be desired
to maintain results.
Side
effects from AFT treatments are infrequent. Immediately
following treatment, the skin may appear flushed and
in rare instances, temporary swelling and/or blistering
can occur. To greatly minimize the risk of complications,
patients should limit sun exposure for several weeks
before and after treatment.
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Before
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After
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Rosacea
Before and After AFT Treatment photos courtesy
of Orion Lasers
With
this system, Dr. Schusterman has the ability to treat
multiple or larger lesions more rapidly
compared
to other technologies. AFT treatments can also
be used on all skin types including tanned skin.
To
learn more about rosacea treatments using AFT
or to schedule an appointment,
call Dr. Schusterman’s office
at 713-794-0368 or
email info@alwaysyouthful.com.
Harmony is a trade mark of Orion Lasers.
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