A recent controlled study of laser therapy for rosacea found that the procedure substantially reduced visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) and also helped reduce redness (erythema) and flushing after an average of three treatments, according to results presented by Dr. S. M. Clark and colleagues of the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting.

Eight women and four men between 31-63 years old who had rosacea were treated with a pulse tunable dye laser for telangiectasia, bumps (papules) and pimples (pustules), erythema and flushing on one side of the face, with the other side left untreated as a control. Compared with the untreated sides of the face, patients experienced a 75 percent reduction in telangiectasia, a 55 percent reduction in flushing and a 50 percent reduction in erythema.

Results showed clearing of the vascular element after one to six laser treatments, with an average of three treatments. The reduction in spider veins was dramatic, often after just one or two laser treatments.

While there was a trend toward reduction in overall inflammatory lesion counts, laser treatment did not significantly improve papules and pustules. These can be effectively controlled with oral and topical antibiotics.

Bruising occurred in all patients, but resolved in most in seven to 10 days. Abnormally increased pigmentation most commonly affected the cheeks and improved with time in all patients.