IPL for Rosacea, will it help with nodule like papules? (Photo)

Question

When I was 24 (now 33) started to get nodule like Rosacea papules. I found a routine that worked . Metrocream in the morning and Benzoyl Peroxide in the night. I would get a papule every 3-4 months in the exact same spot, but overall i was clear. Over the past year, I switched my routine, and now I get nodules in 5-6 spots on my face (I can't go back to BP as it's too harsh now) They usually form in the same spot though (spider veins also in these spots). Could IPL help with these nodules ?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be improved with a combination treatment of Clear + Brilliant, peels, and V Beam/Yellow Lasers. I recommend a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

IPL is a very effective in helping control rosacea. I would recommend getting at least three treatments one month apart. The treatments should concentrate on the most affected areas which are usually the cheeks, nose, and chin. It is important to use the metrocream or metrogel every night and morning. Adding finacea in the evening layered over the metrogel (allow the metrogel to dry) should also help. It is important to control the bacteria on the face so washing your face three times a day is very helpful. It's important not to irritate the skin with benzoyl peroxide. The papules from rosacea are not the same as a typical acne breakout and should be treated differently.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question green976. I understand your concern. IPL is a great
treatment for facial rejuvenation. It also works well for rosacea. I find that it works for the papulopustular type as well as the erythematotelangiectatic type. BP can irritate patients with rosacea but metronidazole gel works well. I use a combination of IPL and infrared light to treat rosacea. For my patients I recommend an initial series of 6 monthly treatments followed by one maintenance treatment every 3 months thereafter. Please consult
with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Kevin Cavanaugh, MD · Answer

Hi Green976,

I'm sorry you've been struggling with rosacea. In my experience IPL is a wonderful treatment for the redness and papular-pustular lesions of rosacea. The redness associated with rosacea responds particularly well to IPL. For my patients I recommend a multi-pronged approach, with IPL, topical treatments, and in severe cases, oral antibiotics. These treatments are all synergistic with one another. Lastly, lifestyle interventions, such as decreasing triggers like caffeine, sun exposure, spicy foods, and red wine, can also be particularly effective. I have found that I am able to taper oral antibiotics to very low doses in treatment refractory cases to keep the papular-pustular lesions at bay. I hope this advice is helpful.

Derek Norcom, MD · Answer

I think it certainly could. It will decrease inflammation in the area, and depending on the wavelength, will decrease bacteria, which might decrease inflammation as well. Spot treating the nodule itself would be the way to go. IPL is still considered the best non-pharmaceutical treatment for rosacea.

IPL for Rosacea, will it help with nodule like papules? (Photo)

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IPL for Rosacea, will it help with nodule like papules? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rosacea and IPL

Answer: Rosacea and IPL

Answer: Could IPL help?

Answer: Could IPL help?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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