Rosacea and Botox: Red Face No More

Studies Bring Hope of Relief

Studies say that at least one in ten people suffer from Rosacea, a condition which manifest as red areas on the center of the face – forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.

What exactly is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a rather common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in the face. It’s persistent swelling and redness. Many may have swollen red bumps that can look like acne, and sometimes contain pus. It usually affects middle-aged women who have fair skin. More than half can have eye problems – irritation, dryness -and rarely large noses. It has no known cure but treatment consists of controlling the symptoms.

What causes Rosacea?

It is not known, but heredity and the environment may be factors. It is not due, though, to poor hygiene. Some conditions may exacerbate the redness by increasing the blood flow to the areas, such as alcohol, high temperatures, hot drinks and spicy foods, sometimes, emotions. Some treatments can minimize the symptoms – antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, creams – but they don’t work for all. Some claim that Botox can help.

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports a study in India where botulinium toxin was able to significantly reduce facial redness in less than two weeks, and improvements lasted up to four months. Patients in the study were rosacea-infected, and researchers believed Botox targets compounds in the skin, which in turn stops blood vessels dilating. It may also block immune cells that are involved in the inflammatory response that worsens the condition.

There’s a second study, from the University of California, that found botulinum toxin was able to block immune cells called mast cells and prevent inflammation in rosacea patients. Mast cells play a key role in triggering compounds called cathelicidins, which are released by the immune system found at higher levels in patients with rosacea.

Some experts are glad for these relatively bigger studies that are demonstrating the positive effects of Botox on rosacea, however, anecdotal incidents have already been reported by doctors that the toxin can be used cosmetically to relieve symptoms. Patients may be reluctant to have multiple injections on their affected facial areas, but the long-lasting effects may be more convenient than other treatments.

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Bright Future for Botox in Tacoma

While we may still need more studies to support Botox treatment for Rosacea, consider our facial treatments as your most reliable options for wrinkles. Look young again in Tacoma at Botixue.