Category Archives: Rosacea Treatment

Dr. Leslie Baumann Reviews Oracea and IPL for Rosacea Treatment

Posted on September 14, 2011 | Leave a comment
rosace expert dr. baumann

Dr. Leslie Baumann, Dermatologist

Leading dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D. reviews new rosacea treatment options, including low-dose doxycline (Oracea®) and intense-pulse light (IPL) therapy in a Miami Herald story published today.

Dr. Baumann pointed out that there are a variety of rosacea treatment options, including prescription medications. “Several years ago, a low dose form of doxycycline called Oracea® was developed. This drug is not a true antibiotic. Instead, it works through its anti-inflammatory properties. Oracea® can be used for long periods to prevent and treat rosacea without the complications associated with long-term antibiotic use.”

According to Dr. Baumann, a form of light treatment called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments has also been developed that has “revolutionized the treatment of rosacea“. IPL is a non-laser light source that can be used to treat several signs of rosacea. It was first approved for the treatment of fine dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias), but it may now be used to reduce persistent redness (erythema), flushing, and the bumps/pimples of rosacea subtype 2.

Dr. Baumann added that dermatologists may also prescribe a topical medication to be used in combination with oral medications or IPL treatments. Commonly prescribed rosacea medications include metronidazole (MetroGel®), azelaic acid (Finacea®) and sulfacetamide. Elidel®, a calcieurin inhibitior normally prescribed to control the inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema) may also be prescribed in some cases for rosacea.

Dr. Baumann added additional rosacea skin care tips to help rosacea sufferers manage their condition.

  • Avoid spicy foods and hot drinks
  • Drink coffee or tea cooled down or iced
  • Take omega-3 fatty acids that can fight redness and irritation. Sources include flaxseed and fatty fishes like salmon
  • Avoid are spa treatments like facials, some forms of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hot wax, saunas and steam rooms, as they can irritate sensitive skin.

Rosacea affects up to 14 million Americans but it often goes undiagnosed. It is most common in the fair-skinned, but its cause is unknown. Rosacea usually appears on the skin of the face with redness of the nose, cheeks and forehead, bumps or pimples, broken blood vessels. It is frequently mistaken as acne.

Dr. Leslie Baumann is a board-certified dermatologist, author of Skin Type Solution, and the CEO of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami Beach. Dr. Baumann also authors the twice-weekly Yahoo! Health blog “The Skin Guru”, with over 3 million readers, and writes a twice-monthly column in The Miami Herald. She authored Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice (McGraw-Hill, 2002), the world’s best-selling cosmetic dermatology textbook, as well as the New York Times best-selling book, The Skin Type Solution (Bantam Dell, 2006), which focuses on her revolutionary and proprietary skin typing system.

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Rosacea Awareness Month Supported by Dermatologists

Posted on April 14, 2011 | 1 Comment

Rosacea ResourcesRosacea afflicts 16 million Americans, and most of them don’t know it. Now the public can now learn more about this chronic skin disorder from their own dermatologist.

The National Rosacea Society has designated April as National Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public of the signs and symptoms of rosacea and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

As part of Rosacea Awareness Month, dermatologists have enhanced their practice Websites with patient education content regarding rosacea. Rosacea handouts cover a wide range of issues, including the four different subtypes of rosacea and rosacea treatment options, including topical medications (Finacea®, MetroGel®), oral medications (Oracea®), surgical procedures, and IPL for rosacea.

Rosacea DiaryThe rosacea content includes information about rosacea triggers and a rosacea diary to help those afflicted with rosacea to track their symptoms. Most rosacea handouts include links to the National Rosacea Society so that patients can learn more about this education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with rosacea.

Rosacea, also called “acne rosacea,” is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition found most commonly in people 30 to 60 years of age.

“It has been called ‘The Great Impostor’ because people often confuse rosacea with other conditions, such as a sunburn or acne, or even eye irritation, and fail to seek medical help,” said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the NRS medical advisory board. “People need to be more aware of this highly prevalent disorder, and the need for treatment and lifestyle changes before it becomes progressively severe.”

The incidence of rosacea is now rapidly growing as the populous baby boom generation passes through the most frequent ages of onset. Yet surveys have found that the public has little knowledge of this chronic but treatable disorder, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.

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Rosacea Treatments Outlined by Dermatologist, Jeffrey Poole, M.D.

Posted on May 5, 2010 | 4 Comments
Dermatologist, Jeffrey C. Poole, M.D.

Jeffrey C. Poole, M.D., Dermatologist

Dermatologist Jeffrey C. Poole, M.D. provides an overview of rosacea treatment options and describes how they are shaped by the type of rosacea.

“Erythrotelangiectatic rosacea (rosacea subtype 1) may be the initial phase of rosacea for many people.  Patients are red, flush easily from various stimuli such as alcohol, caffeine or temperature changes.  Sun protection is key to prevent long term progression of this stage, which may progress.  Coverup makeups can be used, and the newer mineral makeups seem to work well and are non-irritating”, says Dr. Poole.

Dr. Poole adds that for rosacea subtype 1, “the best treatment is the Pulsed Dye Laser  (PDL) or intense pulsed light (IPL).  These lasers and light sources target the blood vessels that are the cause of this condition.  Generally 3-4 treatments are sufficient for excellent results.”

Dr. Poole points out that most of the prescription medications for rosacea target papulopustular rosacea (rosacea subtype 2). Topical medications (metronidazole and azelaic acid) and oral medicines, such as doxcycycline (Oracea) and minocycline, are very effective in decreasing the red pimples and bumps. Long-term use of rosacea medications is the rule, and flares tend to recur as rosacea medications are weaned. Dr. Poole added that “pulsed dye laser treatment may improve rosacea subtype 2 symptoms and decrease the frequency of flares.”

Rhinophyma, seen with rosacea subtype 3, generally only occurs with men and less commonly than a few generations ago.  Treatment of rhinophyma can be with ablative lasers such as the CO2 laser, or with an electrocautery unit.  Dr. Poole stated that “Many patients find improvement in their sleep and less snoring, as well as a improved cosmetic appearance, with treatment.”

Dr. Poole is a board certified dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana. In addition to his private dermatology practice, Poole Dermatology, Dr. Poole is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at both the LSU and Tulane Schools of Medicine, acting as their Pediatric and Adolescent specialist, and remains a board-certified pediatrician. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.

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The Burden of Rosacea Reviewed by Dr. Richard Fried

Posted on April 19, 2010 | Leave a comment

Richard Fried M.D. PhD, a dermatologist and psychologist in Yardley Pennsylvania, discusses the burden rosacea places on the lives of people with rosacea blow to their pride and the prejudice of others to whom their disorder is all too apparent.

The article by Dr. Richard Fried , “Rosacea: Pride, Prejudice and Transparency” published in the April issue of Skin & Aging magazine describes how patients interpret and cope with their skin disorder and how dermatologists can help to alleviate their burden.

Dr Fried outlines how different rosacea treatment options are available for the redness, blood vessles, flushing and skin sensitivity of rosacea, as well as the anxiety that rosacea can provoke. He also describe alternative treatments for rosacea that may be of help for some patients.

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Alternative Treatments for Rosacea

Posted on April 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

Rosacea patients seeking information about alternative treatments for rosacea can can learn how to consider the pros and cons of these therapies from their own dermatologist.

“Many patients may turn to alternative therapies to treat their rosacea and it is important that they understand the importance of speaking to their doctor about the treatments they may be using and to be aware of possible side effects, ” said Dr. Mark Becker, founder and President of Vivacare, the company that provides the patient education resource to dermatologists.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder primarily of the facial skin, that leads to redness, bumps and pimples and skin thickening. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Nearly 1/3 of people with rosacea will turn to an alternative therapy at some point during the course of their skin condition. The most common types of alternative therapies attempted are naturopathic cures and herbal remedies. Most are unaware that even “all natural” therapies have side effects and may worse their rosacea. For instance, two popular herbal remedies, St. John’s Wort and Echinacea, can cause severe sun sensitivity and hives.

It is important that patients taking alternative therapies tell their dermatologist so that the doctor is aware of possible side effects or drug interactions.

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