Dr. Vegas’ Monthly Blog:
Dermatology Notes from H.L. Greenberg M.D.
Why is my face so red? What’s with all of these blood vessels? Help!!! I’m not an alcoholic, why does my nose have all these bumps and sores? I’m not a teenager anymore, why am I still getting acne? It’s possible that you or someone you care about has Rosacea and April is National Rosacea Awareness Month. There are at least 4 types of rosacea: Erythematotelangiectatic (blood vessels/easy flushing or blushing), Papulopustular (acne like bumps that don’t come to a head), Phymatous (big nose with excess tissue-think WC Fields) and Ocular (injected eyes).
Certain people are “set-up’s” for rosacea and others are less likely to get it. In general the flushing of rosacea can be worsened by spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, citrus and some even believe chocolate! Each person should keep a journal of the foods thought to flare their rosacea. Avoidance of triggering foods would be the best way to avoid rosacea flares, but an antihistamine like Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec taken an hour prior to food exposure could assist in minimizing rosacea flareup!
I enjoy treating rosacea because there are many ways in which to treat the underlying condition. Currently, I speak for Galderma and Bayer pharmaceuticals, both of which companies have treatment options for different types of rosacea from pills to creams; the treatment of choice depends on the underlying condition. My favorite type of rosacea to treat is the one with all the vessels (Erythematotelangiectatic type), because treatment involves the use of the Cynergy laser- a combination pulsed dye (585nm), Nd:Yag (1064nm) machine that fires 2 wavelengths sequentially turning blood vessel hemoglobin into methemoglobin and then into shattered vessel that the body naturally absorbs. Laser vein destruction is really amazing, and may take 4 or so times to ensure the vessels are gone. A spider vein video can be seen below.
To learn more about rosacea click here to go to the National Rosacea Society website. . http://rosacea.org/
