Is Laser a Useful Line of Treatment for Rosacea?

Laser has been utilized in the treatment of rosacea many years ago; however, few research data is present either supporting or discouraging its use as a part of rosacea treatment plans. The United States Food and Drug Association (FDA) considers forms of laser and light therapies as procedures rather than established lines of treatment due to the fact that more research is still needed to determine whether or not they are beneficial to patients with rosacea.

Nowadays, laser is utilized in the treatment of manifestations of rosacea including dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia), persistent skin redness (erythema) and irregular pathological thickening of the skin of the cheeks and nose (rhinophyma).

The pulsed dye laser (PDL) has been utilized for over 10 years in the treatment of facial flushing and telangiectasia which are complications of the disease process of rosacea. Most recently, a group of dermatologists investigated the effects of PDL on the manifestations of rosacea. The results of the study were astonishing as all patients experienced significant improvement of their symptoms after a single laser treatment session. Furthermore, following the second treatment session, 60% of patients reported amelioration of symptoms of flushing, itching, burning, swelling, dryness and hypersensitivity. Nonetheless, some patients reported some undesired side effects which included darkening of the skin and crusting of the areas which were exposed to laser. The researchers also concluded that the effectiveness of this form of treatment is heightened when the PDL yields temporary bruising which, in most cases, lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Although nowadays there are forms of PDL that do not lead to bruising, the results of the study supported induction of bruising, because it leads to permanent decrease in skin flushing in the long run.

KTP laser, ND: YAG laser and diode laser are other forms of light therapy that can be used in the treatment of rosacea, especially when telangiectasia develop. These forms of laser usually do not cause temporary bruising and accordingly, are less likely to reduce skin flushing when compared to PDL. Nevertheless, these forms of laser are useful for treatment of unaesthetic areas of skin telangiectasia.

The erbium: YAG laser and CO2 laser are quite useful when rhinophyma develops. These forms of laser are sometimes combined with classical surgical procedures, such as excision, to increase the yield of these procedures.

Intensed pulsed light (IPL) is a newer form of laser that can also be used in the treatment of manifestations and complications of rosacea especially telangiectasia.

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