Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and bumps around the facial area and affects people of all ages. If left untreated it can worsen over time. Triggers for rosacea can include things such as:
- sun exposure
- emotional stress
- weather conditions
- certain food or drink
- exercising
- even a warm bath
While Rosacea is not curable there are several treatments – topical creams, oral medications, and Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL).
Topical creams are available and must be used several times a day. The cream will help reduce redness and bumps. However most topical creams will need to be used in combinations to treat all the symptoms of Rosacea; they do not work quickly and are not very effective. Oral medications are prescribed if the patient’s Rosacea is strong enough. Like topical creams, oral medications do not work quickly. Once they are taken it will be several weeks before results are visible. Oral medications also come with side effects such as upset stomach, sun sensitivity, and yeast infections in females.
Intense Pulsed Light treatments for Rosacea patients are safe and effective
IPL is an intense band of light that flashes on to the effected skin. The light is absorbed by the blood vessels that are targeted which will destroy the vessel and reduce the redness of the area. IPL treatment offered in Orange County is quick and easy, sometimes requiring a topical anesthetic. The procedure can last up to 30 minutes and skin may be red afterwards; however, that will improve within days of the treatment.
The proof that IPL works for Rosacea
Studies have shown that patients with mild to severe cases of Rosacea who are treated with IPL several times over a 1-3 week period reported less redness and greatly improved skin texture. These same studies concluded that IPL is an effective, ideal treatment for Rosacea patients.
Call your Orange County dermatologist today to schedule your Intense Pulsed Light treatment and see the results!