Physical modalities for the treatment of rosacea

Rosacea is characterised by a wide variety of vascular changes. Apart from telangiectasia and erythema, often so-called flushing occurs. These vascular abnormalities can be targeted with specific light and laser devices. In addition to KTP laser, pulsed dye laser (PDL) and Nd:YAG laser, also intense pulsed light devices (IPLs) are used. The described therapeutic effects include the reduction of vascular abnormalities and even improvement of papulopustular changes. While the KTP laser shows very good results in telangiectasia, the dye laser and IPL devices are used preferably in erythema. The Nd:YAG laser is also a possibility for patients with telangiectasia and erythema. However, compared to the other laser and light devices the Nd:YAG laser carries the highest risk of unpredictable scarring. Phymatous changes are another clinical manifestation of rosacea, mostly affecting the nose (rhinophyma). Moderate and severe cases are commonly treated with ablation modalities. Traditional surgery is a treatment option, but is often associated with major intraoperative bleeding. Alternative methods include electrosurgery and dermabrasion, although both methods can cause scarring. Newer methods such as CO₂ laser ablation, possibly in combination with the erbium:YAG laser, are safe alternatives with a lower risk of complications.