A review of the quality of life following pulsed dye laser treatment for erythemotelangiectatic rosacea

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic condition, affecting up to 10% of the population. It has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QOL), leading to loss of self-confidence, emotional distress and withdrawal from normal societal interactions. Erythemotelangiectatic (ET) rosacea is a frequent reason for consultation and difficult to treat, as vascular signs such as flushing, erythema and telangiectasia often persist despite medical therapy. Several studies have demonstrated objective improvements in vascular signs following pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment, but very few have investigated improvement in QOL. We reviewed the current literature to find evidence for the effect of PDL on QOL in ET rosacea.

KEYWORDS:

• Rosacea
• quality of life
• pulsed dye laser (PDL)

Acknowledgement

The above information was part of an oral presentation at Laser Europe 2013.

Declaration of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.