Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects the face. It is characterized as redness that comes and goes on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It can also appear to be a persistent redness that looks like a blush. Many people with rosacea also get pimples and small visible veins (telangiectasia) on their nose and cheeks. There are certain “triggers” that can make rosacea worse, including the sun, extreme heat or cold, spicy foods, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, strenuous exercise and stress.

Rosacea can be treated and controlled, and the sooner, the better. This condition generally gets worse if it goes untreated, causing more redness, more pimples and more visible veins. Rosacea is treated in our office with the BBL™ (Broadband Light) laser, often in conjunction with ALA (AminoLevulinic Acid). The BBL™ laser is a pulsed light laser that works by delivering photothermal energy to the skin. The light is specifically absorbed by the blood vessels in the dermis. These blood vessels are coagulated and then reabsorbed by the body during the natural healing process. ALA targets the blood vessels, therefore making the laser treatment more effective. ALA is applied to the face and left on for 1 hour, before being washed off. Then these areas of the face are lasered with the BBL™. The ALA makes your skin sensitive to sunlight and bright indoor light, therefore you are required to stay indoors for a full 24 hours after the procedure.

“Dr. Cumberland is an excellent doctor. I drive over an hour from Guelph because I can trust that her knowledge and experience will guarantee me the results I want that spas could not deliver!!” – A. T. (age 33)