Rosacea

Also known as: Adult Acne, Acne Rosacea, Red Face


Condition Overview:
Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes redness, papules, and red vessels and which is often referred to as ‘adult acne’.  Rosacea may initially present as the tendency to flush or blush easily, and can evolve into a constant redness across the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose.

Causes/Triggers:
Genetics, alcohol, hot drinks and/or spicy foods

Recognizing Rosacea:
Persistent redness, easy blushing or flushing, and the development of unwanted facial red vessels. In advanced cases of Rosacea, a condition called, rhinophyma can occur. Rhinophyma is more commonly found in men, and is characterized by a bulbous red nose known as the WC Fields nose.

Treatments:    
    Topical medications:

• Topical Metronidazole: Metrogel, Metrolotion, Noritate
• Topical Fineacea gel
• Topical Sulfur products: Rosac, Clenia, Rosula
• Topical antibiotics: Clindamycin, Benzoyl Peroxide
• Oral Medications: Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline

    Laser Treatments: Green or yellow light Lasers for unwanted red blood vessels and blushing/flushing
    Intense Pulse Light to improve red vessels and facial blushing
    Electrosurgery and/or CO₂ Laser to reshape the nose in Rhinophyma   

Tips for Rosacea Patients:

• Avoid triggers, including hot drinks, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages that make the face red or flushed
• Practice good sun protection, wear a hat and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or massaging the face
• Avoid cosmetics and facial products that contain alcohol
• Keep a diary of flushing episodes and note associated foods, products, activities, medications or other triggering factors.