what is Rosacea

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles, sebaceous glands and vasculature of the face. The role of Demodex mite in the pathogenesis of Rosacea is controversial. Rosacea sufferers have recurrent flushing, exacerbated by heat (shower, hot drinks), spicy foods, sunlight, cold, alcohol, and stress. They have sensitive skin, and may complain of dry and gritty eyes. The peak incidence of Rosacea is 30—50 yr; Females being more affected than Males. Rosacea sufferers may develop erythema, telangiectases, papules, and pustules of central face; there are no comedones in contrast to acne. Sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic dermatitis and facial lymphedema are also more common. There are 4 Major Subtypes of Rosacea: Erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, ocular, and phymatous. Chronic inflammation may progress to rhinophyma (enlarged nose; in males). Ocular involvement is also common (e.g., gritty, conjunctival injection, styes, photophobia). Investigations include clinical diagnosis; uncommonly, skin biopsy is indicated to rule out lupus or sarcoidosis. Similar conditions that needs to be differentiated from Rosacea are: Acne, lupus erythematosus, perioral dermatitis, sarcoidosis, seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment of Rosacea is based on severity and subtype. Lifestyle modification: Avoid triggers; sun protection and avoidance; facial massage for lymphedema. Topical antibiotics: Metronidazole 0.75% gel or 1% cream bid. Sodium sulfacetamide lotion 10% bid. Oral antibiotics (moderate to severe cases with inflammatory papulopustular component): Tetracycline 500 mg po bid Minocycline 100 mg po od—bid. Doxycycline 20 mg po bid (subantimicrobial dose therapy) or 100 mg po qd–bid. Isotretinoin (low dose); less commonly, topical retinoids may be used. Laser therapy (e.g., PDL, IPL) for telangiectases and ablative laser (e.g., CO2) for rhinophyma. Camouflage makeup (e.g., Dermablend, Covermark) for erythema. Ophthalmologist to assess for ocular Rosacea (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, episcleritis).

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Best Treatment for Acne Rosacea Can Be A Personal Dilemma

The Best Treatment for Acne Rosacea Can Be A Personal Dilemma

Trying to determine which of the many rosacea products is the best rosacea treatment can be confusing, to say the least. The reason being is that it is generally different for each person due to the variability of the symptoms from individual to individual. Acne rosacea can prove very difficult to treat, however with a proper treatment plan, the condition can be controlled. Though self treatment is not uncommon we generally suggest that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to help in developing a rosacea treatment based on your particular set of symptoms.

Rosacea Is Socially Disruptive

Based on surveys conducted with acne rosacea sufferers with more severe symptoms, about 70% of those surveyed claimed that the skin disease had negatively affected their professional and occupational relationships. Also of interest was the fact that 30% stated they had called into work sick to avoid the embarrassment of their rosacea symptoms. It is obvious that this skin affliction not only affects the personal lives of many its sufferers, but also impacts workplace productivity.

Finding the Best Rosacea Treatments

The good news is that you do have options in the treatment of your acne rosacea. The pharmaceutical approach to rosacea control is available through your dermatologist and local pharmacy. The bad news is that this kind of treatment can be irritating at times, especially for those acne rosacea sufferers who are sensitive to antibiotics.

An alternative rosacea treatment to the pharmaceutical approach is available and may better suit your skin condition and particular symptoms. Using a rosacea best treatment alternative is a personal choice that most rosacea patients have pondered. If a natural rosacea treatment sounds preferable to you, there are some very effective new herbal rosacea remedies that can actually relieve your rosacea symptoms. Their secret is a precise combination of herbal ingredients and pure, natural ingredients.

Simply stated, the best rosacea treatment will depend on your particular symptoms and those factors that aggravate your skin condition. Once these conditions become obvious to you, a simple modification to your lifestyle or environment can have a dramatic effect on the frequency and severity of your rosacea flareups. Combine these modifications with a regular skin care program of natural cleansers and moisturizers, and you will have done everything possible to manage your skin condition.