Rosacea is known as a chronic skin rash that mainly affects the central part of the face. The target age groups include patients between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.
As discussed in the previous post, rosacea can be triggered by genetic, environmental, vascular, and inflammatory agents Moreover, chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can also influence skin damage.
Usually, rosacea appears in the form of red spots (papules) and in rare cases, as pustules. These spots have a dome-shaped form. Patients diagnosed with rosacea experience frequent facial blushing or flushing. Additionally, sun exposure, hot and spicy food or drinks can cause increased amounts of redness. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience burning and stinging sensations in response to makeup products, facial creams, and/or sunscreens. As a result, due to affected eye areas, ocular rosacea can be diagnosed. It is usually characterized by having red, sore, and gritty eyelid margins with papules and styes.
There are different treatment methods currently available for treating rosacea that are unique for every patient. The general measures include avoiding using oil-based facial creams. Instead, it is recommended to use water-based skincare and makeup products. It is recommended to avoid any sun exposures and use light oil-free facial sunscreens. In order to decrease the flushing effect, it is highly advised to reduce consumption of hot/spicy foods and alcohol as well as avoid taking hot showers and baths. Some individuals use ice blocks around the mouth area or between gum and cheek to reduce facial redness for a short period of time.
Topical steroids should not be used for treating rosacea even though short-term improvements have been observed. In the long run, topical steroids cause rosacea’s outburst to be more severe due to increased production of nitric oxide.
Different variations of oral antibiotics are being prescribed for the course treatment. For instance, Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline and minocycline) are often used to treat rosacea. They help to reduce redness, pustules, papules, and eye symptoms. These antibiotics are usually prescribed for the course treatment of 6 to 12 weeks. The duration and dosage amounts are calculated individually for every patient depending on how severe the rosacea is. Further prescriptions of the antibiotics are needed from time to time since antibiotics do not cure the disorder.
Anti-inflammatory effects of antibiotics are currently under investigation; however, they have shown promising results. These antibiotics tend to inhibit the functions of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) which in return decrease inflammation and cathelicidins.
Long-term antibiotics have their own disadvantages in developing bacterial resistance. Low doses that do not have antimicrobial effects are preferred to be used in treating various skin conditions, including rosacea.
Topical treatments are also used for treating rosacea. For instance, Metronidazole cream or gel is prescribed for mild inflammatory rosacea and can be combined with oral antibiotics in more severe cases. Azelaic acid cream or lotion is also an effective remedy for mild inflammatory rosacea; it has to be applied twice a day.
Certain medications like carvedilol and clonidine help to reduce vascular dilation (widening of blood vessels) which in return reduce flushing. Those medications are well-tolerated among patients. Some of the side effects may include dry eyes, low blood pressure, low heart rate, and blurred vision.
Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like diclofenac help to reduce discomfort and redness of the affected skin. The serious adverse effects are very uncommon but rare occurrences of renal toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, and peptic ulceration have been reported.
Vascular laser or intense pulsed light treatment can successfully reduce persistent telangiectasia (cutaneous blood vessels). Light pulses are targeted at the red-pigment, known as hemoglobin, in the blood. They heat up and destroy the pigment without affecting other tissues and skin around the rash.
Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers various treatment options for rosacea which are unique for every patient. For more information on this condition, visit the following link:
Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers IPL therapy as a treatment option for rosacea. For more information about this treatment option, visit the following link:
Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers radiofrequency as a treatment option for rosacea. For more information about this treatment option, visit the following link:
