There are different degrees of couperose. At first, you may only have flushes (brutal but fleeting redness) during a change in temperature, after eating spicy food or drinking alcohol. Then, if we have permanently red cheeks and visible vessels, we speak of erythro-rosacea. And if, in addition, there are pustules on the cheeks, it is a real rosacea. We remedy the flushes of the beginning by using a micellar water to remove make-up, an appropriate anti-redness cream and we avoid alcohol and spices. After that, here's what we can do.
Dermatologists prescribe treatments containing antibiotics (metronidazole or azelaic acid). We apply the cream morning and evening, and as soon as we see an improvement, we go to once a day. When the damage is severe or there is a recurrence when treatment is stopped, oral antibiotics are taken for a course of 1 to 2 months. It's effective ? Yes, but these drugs can have side effects (abdominal pain, fungal infections, etc.). Depending on the aesthetic repercussions and the chronicity of the problem, laser or pulsed light can be considered as a second intention.
Some vascular lasers are effective. The laser energy will heat, coagulate the vascular wall and destroy small vessels. It hurts ? Yes, it gets a little hot. Afterwards, we have red and puffy skin for 2 to 5 days (depending on the laser used). We must also avoid the sun for 2 weeks. Count 1 to 2 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. It's expensive ? From 50 to 150 per session. The problem? It is not reimbursed by Social Security.
While the laser works with a single wavelength, the flash lamp uses several. The advantage? If you also have spots, for example, you can solve both problems at the same time. It is generally the same budget as for the laser. And that is not refunded either.
Thank you to Dr Claire Geoffray, dermatologist, and Dr Catherine De Goursac, aesthetic doctor.
