ROSACEA

OVERVIEW

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is frequently confused with acne because both conditions may involve facial redness and inflammatory bumps. However, rosacea and acne are distinct medical conditions with different underlying mechanisms, triggers, and treatment approaches.

Although rosacea is not life-threatening, it can be persistent and socially distressing. Without appropriate management, symptoms may progress over time and negatively affect quality of life.

At International Vein & Skin Institute (IVSI), rosacea care is approached medically, with emphasis on diagnosis, skin stabilization, and realistic expectations.

COMMON TYPES AND SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA

Rosacea presents differently in each patient and may involve one or more of the following:

Facial redness or flushing
Visible blood vessels (broken capillaries / telangiectasias)
Red inflammatory bumps or papules (without blackheads)
Burning, stinging, or heightened skin sensitivity
Skin thickening, most commonly affecting the nose in advanced cases

OCULAR ROSACEA

Some patients develop ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes rather than the skin. Symptoms may include:

Dryness or irritation
Gritty or “sand in the eyes” sensation
Redness of the eyes or eyelids
Light sensitivity

Ocular symptoms may precede facial skin involvement and are often mistaken for allergies or dry eye disease. Early recognition is important, as untreated ocular rosacea may worsen over time.

TRIGGERS AND FLARE-UPS

Rosacea symptoms are commonly aggravated by environmental and lifestyle factors. Identifying and avoiding individual triggers is essential for long-term management.

Common triggers include:

Heat, cold, or wind exposure
Hot beverages and caffeine
Spicy foods and alcohol
Sun and ultraviolet (UV) exposure
Fragrances, perfumes, and certain cosmetic ingredients
Irritating or photosensitizing topical products

Rosacea-affected skin often has a compromised barrier, making it more reactive to over-the-counter products, including some sunscreens. Dilated superficial blood vessels also contribute to persistent redness and heightened sensitivity.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by periods of flare and remission. While it cannot be cured, symptoms can often be effectively controlled with appropriate medical care.

Treatment typically follows a stepwise approach, which may include:

Identification and avoidance of personal triggers
Gentle, barrier-supportive skin care
Prescription topical therapies to reduce inflammation
Oral medications when inflammatory lesions or ocular symptoms are present

Laser treatment is not a first-line therapy for rosacea, particularly during active inflammatory flares.
The primary goal of early treatment is to control inflammation and stabilize the skin.

TREATMENT OF ROSACEA-RELATED REDNESS

Even after rosacea is medically controlled, some patients continue to experience persistent facial redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels. In these cases, vascular laser treatment may be used as an adjunct, not a replacement, for medical therapy.

Laser treatment may be considered when:

Active inflammation is controlled
Redness and flushing are stable rather than rapidly worsening
Visible superficial or deeper blood vessels are present
The skin barrier has recovered sufficiently to tolerate energy-based treatment

Laser therapy is used to address residual vascular changes, not active inflammatory rosacea.

VASCULAR LASER THERAPY FOR ROSACEA

Vascular lasers target oxyhemoglobin within abnormal blood vessels, allowing selective vessel reduction while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue.

Commonly used vascular laser technologies include:

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) for superficial vascular redness
Nd:YAG laser for deeper or larger blood vessels

At IVSI, advanced vascular laser systems allow precise wavelength selection based on vessel depth, skin type, and clinical response. Not every patient requires dual-wavelength treatment.

Laser selection and treatment planning are individualized following medical evaluation.

WHAT LASER TREATMENT CAN — AND CANNOT — DO

Laser treatment:

May reduce visible blood vessels and persistent redness
May improve overall skin appearance

Laser treatment does not:

Cure rosacea
Prevent future flare-ups
Replace medical management or trigger control

Ongoing skin care and medical treatment remain essential.

LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT

Rosacea requires ongoing care, not one-time treatment. With appropriate medical therapy, trigger avoidance, and selective use of vascular laser treatment when indicated, many patients experience meaningful and sustained improvement.

PHYSICIAN-GUIDED CARE

Rosacea treatment at IVSI is directed and personally performed by Jozef Tryzno, MD, with extensive experience in both medical and laser-based management of vascular skin conditions.

Each treatment plan is individualized based on diagnosis, skin characteristics, and patient goals.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Careful evaluation and realistic expectations are the foundation of rosacea care at IVSI.

📞 (847) 518-9999 to schedule a consultation.

Medical Disclosure
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations may vary based on individual medical findings.