Rosacea is a chronic vascular and skin disorder that causes redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Symptoms usually come and go and are associated with certain triggers which can be anything from sun exposure, stress, hot weather, eating spicy foods, alcohol or just moving from one temperature to another. Triggers vary enormously from sufferer to sufferer. Bio2 Clinic is a member of the National Rosacea Society and offers free literature on this condition to anyone interested.

The Fotofacial

How is the treatment performed?

Fotofacials are performed using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). This non-laser medical device delivers a series of pulses of light to the skin all over the area involved. Specific settings are selected for each treatment and a series of up to five treatments are performed at 3 to 4 week intervals. At Bio₂Clinic a doctor or qualified Medical Therapist performs all Fotofacials.

What results can I expect?

You can expect to see a gradual decrease in overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. People with visible ageing from the sun can expect to see their skin become smoother with a decrease in fine wrinkles, reduction in pore size and fading of sun spots. Many people with rosacea see an improvement in breakouts and are able to decrease or discontinue their medication. Those with flushing and blushing should see that it takes more to make them flushed and even when they do flush the redness is less severe and settles much quicker than before. Usually patients also get rid of the discomfort or sensation that they feel in the cheeks as they flushing.

What are treatments like?

Each treatment takes about 45 minutes. A mild amount of discomfort can be expected during treatment but this quickly subsides. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries and brown spots may appear darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.

How soon will I see results?

After your first treatment your skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone. These improvements are gradual and will be more visible after each treatment. Between three to five treatments are performed for optimal results. Some patients will benefit from additional treatment.

The Psychological Distress of Rosacea

As a doctor it is essential to recognise the often deep seated psychological distress that Rosacea sufferers are experiencing because of their skin problem.

A constant feeling of redness in the face can induce an enormous degree of social embarrassment particularly in certain situations. Moving from the cold to a warm indoor environment can with the change in temperature induce a sudden change in facial colour. Alcohol, certain foods and anxiety or embarrassment are well known to cause uncontrolled flushing. Even just the fear that they may go red or the constant worry that they are red can torment the lives of Rosacea suffers.
Many clients talk of social isolation and shyness as a direct result of this fear of looking red. This erythrophobia as the medical profession calls it can affect many careers as people affected may lack confidence in their place of work.
It is relationships that are often significantly affected. Ladies suffering from facial redness and flushing often need to go to great lengths to conceal the colour with a ritual of make up application. Men may also attempt to conceal the redness but this in itself leads to embarrassment and frustration. Low self esteem impacts on confidence and can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. Regimes for skin management, cream application and attempts at cosmetic cover up can assume a very prominent part of the daily lives of sufferers.

Many clients with Rosacea have sought various treatments for their flushing including a whole range of creams and lotions, homeopathic remedies and some physical treatments for facial veins such as electrolysis, sclerotherapy and laser treatment. The NHS is particularly limited in what it can offer in that GPs and hospital consultants are unfortunately limited to antibiotics and creams that concentrate on the pustular aspect of the condition. Often the diagnosis of Rosacea is a delayed one and they may well have sought consultations with a whole range of doctors before the diagnosis is confirmed. Constant attempts at various treatments that fail simply adds to the demoralisation that people feel.

Intense Pulsed Light is a major step forward in the management of Rosacea, delivering enormous improvements to the lives of sufferers. It is however important that people starting treatment have a realistic idea of the potential outcome and understand that things will improve but are unlikely to disappear completely. Rosacea for many is an ongoing problem. As yet we do not have a cure but we do at last have a treatment, which can make a huge difference.

Questions to ask if you're considering IPL treatment