Rosacea is a skin condition marked by flushing, visible blood vessels and acne-like bumps in the center of the face. The cause of rosacea is unknown; however, people with sensitive skin and of English, Scottish or Irish descent may be more inclined to develop the condition, according to The National Rosacea Society. Although oral and topical antibiotics remain a first-line treatment for rosacea, both patients' and doctors' concerns about the long-term risks of prescription medications make light and laser therapy a popular alternative, says Dr. Jenny Kim of UCLA. Both laser and pulsed light therapy successfully treat redness and visible blood vessels, and a procedure known as fractional photothermolysis works to smooth the bumpy and thickened skin associated with a more severe form of the condition.
Step 1
Learn about possible causes and symptoms of rosacea. Keep a food and event diary to help track activities and dietary issues that may precede a flare-up. Long-term sun exposure, food allergies, alcohol, spicy foods and stress are common triggers to note.
Step 2
Locate and consult with an experienced light therapy physician for an accurate diagnosis. Clarify the procedure and confirm whether you are a good candidate for treatment. Light therapy treatment is contraindicated for people with a clotting disorder or insulin-dependent diabetes, according to the Skin Care Physicians website.
Step 3
Establish the number of treatment sessions that will be required and the cost for each individual session. Determine what--if any--portion of the therapy is covered by health insurance.
Step 4
Set realistic expectations. It is reasonable to anticipate some improvement, but there is a slight possibility the rosacea symptoms may remain the same or get worse. Fair-skinned people tend to show more improvement than people with a suntan or darker-toned skin.
Step 5
Follow the instructions for follow-up care and the timing of future treatments. Adopt any recommended lifestyle changes that may help to decrease the likelihood of a flare-up. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and there is no known permanent cure.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid sun exposure following light therapy. To avoid subsequent flare-ups, rosacea patients should protect their face with a high SPF sun block for sensitive skin.
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