Our aesthetic and laser center, located in Saint-Louis near the cities of Basel, Bern, and Zurich, specializes in laser treatment of skin conditions such as erythrosis, couperose, and rosacea. With state-of-the-art laser technology and a team of expert physicians, we provide a personalized approach to reduce unwanted redness, dilated blood vessels, and symptoms of rosacea. Our commitment to your comfort, safety, and visible results ensures you have an optimal treatment experience.

Facial redness

The term facial flushing is used when the skin becomes pink, red, bright red and sometimes even purple or bluish.
The redness is due to excessive vasodilatation of the blood vessels in a deeper layer of the skin, called the dermis, which is the vascularised part of the skin beneath the epidermis.
Redness can be localised (nose, cheeks, forehead or chin) or diffuse and spread over the whole face.
Depending on its origin, facial redness may be temporary, reflecting hypersensitivity of the skin, lasting only a few moments or even a few days. But when the redness persists or appears more frequently, you need to start looking at it and treating it.

The psychological and relational consequences, the aesthetic damage, and the pejorative connotation conferred by a “red, ruddy face” justify the request for medical and aesthetic treatment of the disease.

What causes this redness ?

Facial Blushing: Natural Reaction and Influencing Factors

Blushing of the face can result from a natural response of the body to intense emotions such as anger, excitement, or stress.
It can also be triggered by various behaviors and situations, such as physical exercise, allergic reactions, alcohol consumption, hot flashes related to menopause, and even exposure to high temperatures.
This normal body reaction is particularly pronounced in individuals with sensitive, fragile, and/or reactive skin.
While redness may fade quickly on normal skin, it can persist longer (from a few hours to several days) on hypersensitive skin.
These transient episodes of redness, commonly called flushes or erythema, generally do not indicate a skin disease.

Facial Redness: Meaning and Clinical Manifestations

Facial redness can also be associated with various skin conditions, with Rosacea being a major one.
Rosacea is a chronic facial dermatological condition characterized by recurrent flare-ups.
Affecting approximately 2 to 3% of the adult population in France, it more frequently affects women (female-to-male ratio of about 2).
This condition typically appears after the age of 20, peaks between 40 and 50 years of age, mainly in fair-skinned women. However, it is rare in children and becomes less common after a certain age (70 years).
Sometimes, rosacea can manifest more severely in forms such as ocular rosacea, hypertrophic forms, rhinophyma (more common in men), and facial pyoderma.

What is the difference between couperose, erythrosis and rosacea ?

Our Aesthetic Center, located in Basel-Saint-Louis, offers specialized expertise in laser treatment for skin conditions such as rosacea, couperose, and erythrosis. These terms are often used interchangeably, but it is important to understand their nuances. Rosacea is the “official” term for the disease, while couperose corresponds to the dilation of blood vessels, a symptom of rosacea where the vessels are visible. Furthermore, erythrosis manifests as a diffuse and constant redness of the skin. With our team of expert physicians and advanced laser technologies, we provide personalized solutions to alleviate these troublesome symptoms and improve your skin’s well-being.

There are several subtypes of rosacea, including vascular forms (flushes and erythematotelangiectatic), papulopustular forms, and hypertrophic forms. Ophthalmological manifestations affect approximately 30 to 50% of rosacea patients in the form of dry eyes, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, photophobia, and even keratitis.

Vascular form of rosacea

It corresponds to paroxysmal vascular phenomena (flushes) or permanent (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea).

Temporary redness (erythema) or flushing

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

Temporary redness (erythema) or flushing

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

They result from rapid and significant dilation of the skin’s blood capillaries. They are paroxysmal flare-ups of redness on the face and neck, with a sensation of heat, and no systemic signs lasting a few minutes. These transitory and natural reactions can aggravate rosacea. Contributing factors are as follows:

Strong emotions, repeated stress or physical exertion
Climatic factors: exposure to the sun, wind (especially cold wind) or cold.
Changes in temperature, sometimes leading to thermophobia: working in front of heat sources, hot baths, saunas and hammams (any sudden change in temperature).
Drinking hot and spicy foods and drinks.
Excessive and regular alcohol consumption significantly aggravates rosacea, and markedly accelerates the development of erythrosis, rosacea and sometimes severe acne rosacea, or even rhinophyma.
One particular clinical form is cortico-induced rosacea, often linked to strong, prolonged local corticosteroid therapy on the face. It is characterised by a major dependence on corticoids, dark red or even purplish desquamative erythema, and multiple telangiectasias. Unlike classic rosacea, the lesions may affect the perioral and/or periocular area.

This is by far the most common form.
The diagnosis is clinical : chronic centrofacial redness in adults with flushing.
Oedema (swelling) in the centre of the face is sometimes visible. The skin may appear dry and scaly.
Ocular complications are common (30% to 50% of patients have subjective signs): dryness, conjunctivitis and blepharitis, even keratitis.

a. Erythrosis

Erythrosis is characterised by diffuse, permanent redness.
It affects the mid-facial region: cheeks, nose, chin and the median part of the forehead, sparing the area around the eyes and mouth. This location and the permanence of the redness are very typical of rosacea. It can also affect the hairless part of the scalp in balding men.
In this form, the redness is accompanied by exacerbated sensitivity of the skin, making it difficult to apply cosmetics and sometimes even soap and water.

b. Couperose

The discolouration of the skin can be associated with the development of small, very fine vessels, well individualised on the surface of the skin, very red and sometimes even purplish, defining couperose. They are visible just below the surface of the skin and doctors refer to them as telangiectasias.
Isolated telangiectasia of the wings of the nose is not a diagnostic criterion.

Papulo-pustular form

Long confused with acne, the old term “acne rosacea” should be abandoned. Inflammatory papules and pustules appear on a background of permanent erythema with the same topography.

Biolaser - Saint-Louis/Basel- Laser treatment rosacea - redness - couperose

Papules are red, firm and sometimes painful elevations of the skin measuring from one to four millimetres. They are surrounded by an inflammatory aureole and may appear spontaneously against a background of redness in the centre of the face.

Pustules are often smaller in size than papules, and may develop in the absence of any infectious context. These eruptions develop in flare-ups, which usually improve spontaneously: the redness persists, but the pustular and papular lesions regress. If this is not the case, treatments can be effective in helping the rash to return to normal.

Hypertrophic form : rhinophyma

It mainly affects men (in over 95% of cases), generally after the age of 50. The nose increases in volume and is diffusely red, with dilated follicular orifices. The skin gradually thickens and becomes fibrous, and the nose takes on the classic “trogne” appearance, without alcohol being to blame. Passage through these successive forms is not obligatory. Only surgical or CO2 laser treatment is effective.

What causes rosacea ?

The mechanisms by which rosacea occurs are still fairly mysterious, and the cause of the disease is not yet known. Scientists know for certain :

Cause 1

The vascular origin of the disease :

an anomaly of “shunts” with “hyperreactivity” of the vessels in the face. The blood vessels are said to be malfunctioning. In rosacea, these veins sometimes malfunction, resulting in blood stagnation in the vessels of the face, leading to a cascade of vessel dilation, oedema and damage to the endothelium, the thin membrane lining the inside of facial veins. This is a further argument in favour of a primary vascular anomaly.

Cause 2

Genetic predisposition :

the anomaly is mainly found in people of Nordic origin with fair skin, light eyes and light hair (this explains why rosacea has been described as the “curse of the Celts”): in France, the disease is very rare in the south and much more common north of the Loire. On the other side of the Mediterranean, and particularly on black skin, the disease is virtually non-existent.

Cause 3

The Role of the Demodex Folliculorum

and certain bacteria found in large numbers on the faces of affected patients. Demodex is also found in perioral and post-corticoid dermatitis, as well as in blepharitis (damage to the eyelids at the edge of the eyelashes). It acts as a pro-inflammatory agent (promotes inflammation) in rosacea.

Advanced treatment for Couperose, Erythrosis, and Rosacea at the Medical Laser Center Basel – Saint-Louis

Explore Advanced Solutions at our Basel-Saint-Louis Laser Center, near Zurich and Bern, to effectively treat vascular conditions such as rosacea. With our vascular laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), we reduce the redness and telangiectasia characteristic of rosacea while minimizing the risk of recurrence. Recent technological advancements enhance our expertise in the successful management of couperose and erythrosis.

The beam of light emitted by these devices is specifically absorbed by the haemoglobin present in the vessels. This light source of varying degrees of heat will cause coagulation (photocoagulation) or destruction (purpura) of the blood vessels.

Thermo-coagulation is a treatment that is well suited to mild couperose. 3 or 4 sessions are generally necessary. The after-effects can be summed up as redness with a sensation of heating for a few hours.
Photo-thermolysis is preferred for more severe forms of erythro-couperosis. This is a more aggressive treatment as it causes the vessels to burst. However, it has the advantage of requiring fewer sessions: 1 to 2 sessions. Purpuric, purplish patches appear (like bruises), which can last up to 3 weeks. Social exclusion seems unavoidable during this period. Purpura always resolves completely, passing through the different colours seen after a bruise. Rarely, hyperpigmentation may persist for a few weeks, particularly in dark, matt or mixed skins, which is why prior information, possible preparation, sun avoidance and photo-protection will be offered in the weeks following the vascular laser treatment.

The choice of the most suitable technique will be determined by the nature of your skin condition, its extent and your skin type.

Treatment modalities for Couperose and Rosacea at Basel – Saint-Louis medical laser center : essential Information

1
Initial consultation

2
Day of the session

3
After the session

An initial consultation at the centre is essential before any treatment.
You will be given an information sheet and an estimate.
These sessions must be carried out on fair skin (excluding phototypes V and VI) that is not tanned, with no dermatological lesions in the area to be treated and no known scarring problems.
You will be asked to avoid exposure to the sun for 4 weeks prior to the treatment.

Each session lasts an average of fifteen to thirty minutes. The treatment often requires several sessions (2 to 4 on average) spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
The treatment is usually carried out without anaesthetic on cleansed skin.
Protective eyewear must be worn by both patient and doctor during the treatment.
A protective gel is applied to the area to be treated.
The laser shot causes a slight “rubber band” effect, accompanied by a sensation of heat, but without any real pain.

In the minutes following the session, your skin becomes inflamed (redness, heat). This can last from a few minutes to a few hours. A moisturising and soothing cream is prescribed at the Biolaser centre and should be applied regularly (at least 3 times a day for 7-10 days).
A small amount of oedema (swelling) may persist for a few days, particularly if treatment has been carried out under the eyes. This can be avoided by applying cold compresses or an ice bladder as soon as you get home and by sleeping with your head slightly elevated.
Small scabs may form, which will disappear in 4 to 7 days, although make-up can still be applied. They will disappear without a trace thanks to the moisturising cream. They should not be scratched or torn off.
In the case of erythrosis (diffuse redness without visible vessels), treatment with purpura may be essential. In this case, there may be dark red patches or greyish ecchymoses for 15-21 days.
Changes in pigmentation (hypo or hyper) generally occur in patients with dark skin, or when the treatment area has been exposed to the sun before or after treatment. Pigmentation problems generally disappear after 3 to 6 months.
Make-up can be applied immediately after the treatment (over moisturiser).
Avoid sun exposure for at least 1 month after treatment. Apply a sunscreen cream during sunny periods and reapply it every two hours.

Local hygiene and Rosacea/Couperose: Tips for soothing skin at Basel-Saint-Louis center

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, visible blood vessels, and a sensation of heat on the face. Proper local hygiene can play a crucial role in managing this condition. Discover tips to maintain calm skin despite rosacea.

Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers without harsh ingredients. Avoid excessive rubbing that could worsen redness.
Avoid Irritating Products: Opt for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic skincare products. Avoid exfoliants, alcohols, and astringent toners.
Regular Moisturizing: Use a moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin. Hydration helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation.
Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF every day. Sun protection prevents rosacea triggers.
Gentle Makeup: Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup products specially formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid greasy topicals and occlusive foundations.
Avoid Heat Sources: Limit exposure to hot water, steam baths, and saunas, which can trigger symptoms.
Balanced Diet: Avoid spicy, hot foods and hot beverages, which can worsen redness.
Stress Management: Stress can worsen rosacea. Practice relaxation and stress management techniques.
Consult a Professional: See a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.
Avoid Dermocorticoids. Artificial tears are beneficial in case of dry eye.

By following proper local hygiene and avoiding triggers, you can help keep your skin calm and comfortable. If you need specific guidance for treating rosacea or couperose, the Medical Laser Center Basel/Saint-Louis is here to assist you.

Laser treatment for Couperose and Rosacea: lasting results in Basel/Saint-Louis

The Medical Laser Center Basel/Saint-Louis offers effective treatment for couperose and rosacea, skin conditions related to dilated blood vessels and facial redness.

Advanced treatment for visible results

Our expert physicians provide laser treatment specifically designed to target dilated blood vessels responsible for couperose and rosacea. Small blood vessels may disappear immediately after treatment, while larger ones gradually fade in the following weeks.

Treatment duration and results

On average, 1 to 4 treatment sessions are required, spaced 1 month apart, depending on the severity of the lesions and the chosen method. With photothermolysis, blood vessels are targeted using precise light energy, resulting in purpura, while photocoagulation can be performed with no significant post-treatment effects.

Long-term Rosacea management

As a chronic hereditary skin condition, rosacea may require maintenance sessions. The frequency of maintenance varies from person to person, ranging from several months to several years, depending on the cases.

Entrust your couperose and rosacea treatment to the Medical Laser Center Basel/Saint-Louis for visible results and long-term management of these skin conditions.