Please help! I suffer from severe acne rosacea! How to clear up my face? What treatments could work? (photos)

Question

I suffer from severe acne rosacea for 2.5 years with some clearer periods. I was diag. with ulcerative colitis 2.5 years ago and then my skin broke out all over painful cystic pimples/pustules. Went to many dermatologists. No help! Then BP cleared me up. Now breaking out again + extremely oily clogged skin. Done 1 IPL +on finacea- soolantra was horrible, tried skinoren, doxy,(colitis flare) differin ,Severe Bp irritation+ permanent red skin tone :( every pore on my face is clogged. Help please!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be treated with isotretinoin, pulsed dye laser treatments and salicylic acid peels.  I suggest you see a well trained cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in lasers, scaring and acne/rosacea.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi ESLK.  In the past, we have been successful with pulsed dye lasers for acne Rosacea.  Unfortunately, IPL is not a laser and does not have the same capability as a pulsed dye.  If you are not interested in the medication route, this would be where we would direct you.  See the photos of other Los Angeles patients at the link below that we have treated for Rosacea and acne Rosacea with pulsed dye lasers.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Treating Rosacea depends on the type of Rosacea you have.
The following are subtypes of Rosacea: 
  
Subtype 1 – flushed, red facial skin, facial spider veins, sensitivity, and dry skin
  
Subtype 2 – acne breakouts, very red skin, oily skin, sensitive skin
  
Subtype 3 – rare type of rosacea with bumpy portions of skin, especially on the nose, and oily skin
  
Subtype 4 – affects the eyes causing burning, stinging, blurry vision, and dryness
  
There are a variety of methods used to treat Rosacea including photodynamic therapy and the Cynergy pulsed dye laser. This laser is FDA-approved and revolutionary at removing redness and scars from your skin. For more information, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

It appears you have a severe form of cystic acne and you should not take isotretinoin because you have ulcerative colitis. There are many very good treatments and you should see a board certified dermatologist for help

Please help! I suffer from severe acne rosacea! How to clear up my face? What treatments could work? (photos)

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Answer: Rosacea Treatment

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Please help! I suffer from severe acne rosacea! How to clear up my face? What treatments could work? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rosacea Treatment

Answer: Rosacea Treatment

Answer: Rosacea

Answer: Rosacea

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.