Rosacea is a condition that can not be curable but it is generally controllable by using effective treatments on a regular basics. The type of treatment needed differs depending on the form and how severe the case might be. In this article we will discuss the benefits of using laser treatments for reducing the severity of rosacea’s most common symptoms: redness and a general inflammation of the face and neck.

If its determined that a patients needs require laser treatments, the use of a cleared laser might be the best thing. However, the doctor might recommend other things such as isotretinoin, or photodynamic therapy. While these might not heal or take the symptoms of rosacea away forever, it will have results that are long-lasting and the patient could be in remission for either years or months to come.

Currently, many patients are finding success using the intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment in order to help with the redness. IPL treatments also help with a noticeable reduction of visible blood vessels located on the chest, neck, and face. This type laser is considered to be safe for the majority of people with rosacea, resulting in improvements to skin sensitivity and overall skin complexion, over the long course of treatments.

Most patients usually feel a slight discomfort with the laser procedure but they can still endure it by using creams that are topical anesthetic and ice packs. It can take around three to about six weeks for recovery and the sun should always be avoided because the skin will be very sensitive during this time period while healing.

The physician should go over any and all benefits and risks before doing it. Photodynamic therapy is used and combined so that the results are noticeable. When this is done it uses Levulan which is a chemical that is activated by the light. It takes around almost one hour and a half to complete this part of the procedure. Sunburns usually appear after it is done but not severe burns, just moderate. This procedure is mainly done with people that have acne vulgaris, or pre-cancers but it can be used to help people that have Rosacea. To some extent, it is usually considered off-label for that kind of use because its mainly for pimples but they have found it does work with people suffering from that and so it is taken into consideration.

People who suffer from rosacea are afflicted with skin around their nose, eyes and cheeks that is often red and irritated. Enlarged blood vessels are often visible, and acne is also usually visible. Traditional treatments for rosacea have been topical creams and medications. However, there is a new treatment available that is proving very effective for reducing the visible symptoms of rosacea. Laser therapy is the new treatment is proving to be a great new way to treat rosacea symptoms.

One of the most common laser treatments used redness associated with rosacea is the pulsated dye laser, or PDL. PDL will often significantly reduce the signs of rosacea. After just two sessions, redness will greatly be reduced, often by as much as 50%. Other symptoms reduced include flushing, burning, itching, dryness, and sensitivity. Temporary bruising is often caused by PDL treatment. Sometimes bruising can last as long as 2 weeks. Research has revealed that the bruising is actually effective in leading to a consistent decrease in overall redness as well as the other symptoms.

There are several other lasers used to reduce enlarged blood vessels. The KTP laser, diode laser and Nd:YAG laser are used to treat specifically blood vessels and are not as effective in treating redness. These lasers, however, do not cause bruising like the PDL laser does.

Some people suffering from rosacea will end up with a thickening of the skin on the nose and cheeks. This condition is called rhinoplyma. It is possible to remove the thickening skin with the CO2 laser and the erbium:YAG laser. Treatments with these lasers can also improve the contour of the nose.

Laser treatments can be a highly effective way for reducing and removing rosacea symptoms. However, it is not for everyone and not everyone has the same reaction or results. Talking to a dermatologist can determine which laser treatment is best for you.