The skin conditions rosacea and acne share many characteristics: both are chronic, unsightly, cause pus-filled bumps, and redden the skin. Together, the two conditions affect up to 65 million Americans each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fortunately, sessions with a pulsed-dye laser can curb both acne and rosacea, although patients likely will need a series of treatments before their conditions begin to subside.
Causes
Acne results when excess oil production, bacteria and inflammation combine to cause pimples. Although teenagers suffer most frequently from acne, the skin disorder can strike at any age, the AAD says. Rosacea, meanwhile, usually surfaces between ages 20 and 50, and tends to affect fair-skinned people more often. Dermatologists aren't certain what causes rosacea, but potential triggers include hot foods, temperature extremes, sunlight and stress.
Function
Pulsed-dye lasers use laser beams with very specific wavelengths to target the skin. In acne, pulsed-dye lasers target the overactive oil-producing glands in the skin, heating them and ultimately shrinking them, which causes them to produce less oil. In rosacea, pulsed-dye laser treatment can reduce flushing and facial redness, and also can decrease the appearance of tiny broken blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
Effects
Medical studies show that pulsed-dye lasers are effective in both acne and rosacea. A study published in 2009 in the Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy looked at pulsed-dye laser treatment in 45 patients who had mild or moderate acne, and concluded that pulsed-dye lasers improve acne's inflammatory lesions with few side effects. Meanwhile, a study published in 2004 in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" reported that this treatment improves rosacea symptoms and quality of life in patients.
Time Frame
Regardless of whether you're using pulsed-dye laser treatment for acne or rosacea, expect that treatment will take some time. In the case of acne, patients in the 2009 study received six treatments over 12 weeks. In the rosacea study, patients received two treatments over eight weeks. Dermatologists warn that rosacea patients often need multiple treatments over many months to keep symptoms at bay.
Considerations
Side effects of pulsed-dye laser treatment for either acne or rosacea generally are mild, but can include swelling, temporary redness, pain and blistering. Patients undergoing treatment might feel a snapping sensation as the laser beam strikes their skin. Any acne or rosacea patients considering these treatments should consult with their dermatologist to determine if the treatment might work well for them.
