Tag Archives: rosacea

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 Subtype 1 Needs Special Care

Posted on September 20, 2010 | 1 Comment

Rosacea subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea), that causes facial flushing and redness, can be difficult to treat with medical therapy.

A story in the summer issue of the Rosacea Review from the National Rosacea Society described rosacea subtype 1 as being characterized by flushing and persistent redness of the central face, that often occurs before or at the same time as the bumps and pimples of rosacea subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea). Visible blood vessels may also be present, and in many cases the skin may be irritated and unusually sensitive.

According to dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, Chairman of the NRS medical advisory board, identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger rosacea symptoms in individual cases can be especially effective in controlling the flushing and redness of (rosacea) subtype 1.

Standard management of rosacea subtype 1 involves the tracking of rosacea triggers with the assistance of a rosacea diary, and the ongoing avoidance of those triggers.  Those with rosacea often have extremely sensitive skin, making it essential to select skin care products that do not irritate the skin. This may include using non-soap cleansers, washing with lukewarm water, and gently dabbing the skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing the skin to minimize irritation. The use of green or yellow cosmetics can also be used to counteract visible redness, and cover makeup may be used to conceal visible blood vessels and other signs of rosacea.

The visible blood vessels and persistent redness may be effectively treated with laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

Dr. Wilkin added that, unlike with the red bumps and pimples of subtype 2 that may be treated with topical medications (Clenia, MetroGel, Finacea) and/or oral medications (Oracea), no drugs have been approved by the U.S. FDA to treat the persistent redness of rosacea subtype 1.

However, the use of certain medications can reduce some symptoms. For instance, aspirin, NSAIDs, antihistamines, and other medications may be prescribed to help reduce flushing caused by other triggers, such as alcohol or niacin.

In addition, beta-blockers (propranolol), normally used to control high blood pressure, may be prescribed to reduce flushing associated with emotional stress.

There has also been interest in the use of nasal decongestants, such as Afrin, on the skin to reduce redness.

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Sunscreens with Physical Blockers May Benefit Those with Rosacea

Posted on September 17, 2010 | Leave a comment
Sunscreens for Rosacea

Sunscreens for Rosacea

Since sun exposure may lead to the development of rosacea, or a worsening of rosacea symptoms, it is important to implement effective sun avoidance measures and to regularly use a sunscreen.

According to a story in the summer issue of the Rosacea Review by the National Rosacea Society, those with rosacea should consider a ”sunblock” or “physical sunscreen” that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide when selecting a sunscreen.

These reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them and tend to be better tolerated by sensitive skin.

According to Dr. Lisa Maier, dermatologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan, “sunscreens whose vehicles include silicone may be especially well tolerated”.

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Variety of Rosacea Symptoms Uncovered by New Rosacea Survey

Posted on September 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

The National Rosacea Society published results of a new survey that highlights the wide range of signs and symptoms experienced by people with rosacea.

See Rosacea Survey Summary.

In the survey of 1,289 people with rosacea,  71% of respondents said they had experienced persistent redness, and 63%  said they had suffered from frequent flushing. These are classic symptoms of rosacea subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea).  In addition, 63% said they had suffered outbreaks of pimples (pustules) and 61% reported experiencing bumps (papules). These are classic symptoms of rosacea subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea).

In addition to these common effects of rosacea, the survey found that more than one-half of the respondents had been affected by a number of less well-known potential effects of the condition. 61% of respondents said they had also experienced eye symptoms, a condition known as subtype 4 rosacea (ocular rosacea). Among those who experienced eye symptoms, complaints ranged widely, including dry eye, a gritty feeling, eye itching, bloodshot appearance,  burning sensation in the eyes, watery eyes, reduced vision, and styes.

Other widely reported signs and symptoms included facial itching (41%) dry appearance (40%), raised red patches (30%), skin thickening on the nose also called “rhinophyma” (22%), signs beyond the face (21%).

Of those who stated that rosacea had affected areas other than the face, 48% said they had signs and symptoms on the neck, 46% noted the condition had affected the scalp, 42% said it was evident on the chest, 36% said it affected the ears,  16% said it affected the arms and 8% said it affect their legs.

“Many (of those with rosacea) experience a variety of manifestations in succession or at the same time,” said Dr. Boni Elewski, dermatologist and professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. “That’s why it’s important for patients to be aware of the many possible effects of the disorder, so they know when to seek an evaluation and appropriate help from a dermatologist.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: 86% of the respondents reported that rosacea treatments and lifestyle modifications reduced effects of their rosacea.

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Perioral Dermatitis (Rosacea Variant) Triggered by Inhaled Steroids

Posted on April 26, 2010 | 2 Comments

Perioral dermatitis may be triggered by inhaled steroids according to a recent case report.

Perioral dermatitis is a fairly common skin disorder related to rosacea that is widely under-recognized by many non-dermatologists. It appears as tiny red bumps (papules) around the mouth and usually spares the skin closest to the lips. The bumps may itch or burn, and the skin may be red and flaky. Perioral dermatitis occurs most commonly in adult women, but may also affect men and children.

It is known that topical corticosteroids may worsen perioral dermatitis. In fact, a key component of perioral dermatitis treatment is to be sure that patients cease using any topical corticosteroids. However, the association of perioral dermatitis and inhaled corticosteroids used for the treatment of asthma, has not been widely reported.

However, a new case report published in Dermatology Online Journal, “Perioral dermatitis in a child associated with an inhalation steroid“, covers the case of a patient with perioral dermatitis that appeared to bed caused by inhaled steroids

This medication was discontinued and the patient was treated with oral doxycycline andalternating uses of topical clindamycin and metronidazole. There was quick resolution and at two months follow up the perioral lesions had completely disappeared.  In subsequent follow-ups there was no recurrence of the rash.

The authors concluded the patient’s perioral dermatitis was clearly caused by inhaled steroids.

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People with Rosacea Victims of Poor First Impressions

Posted on April 19, 2010 | 1 Comment

A rosacea survey of over 1500 people by the asked individuals to compare images of women with clear skin and images of the same women digitally enhanced to simulate rosacea symptoms on their faces.

The respondents formed judgments about the personalities of the women with papulopustular rosacea (type 2 rosacea), describing them as more likely to be insecure (33% vs. 13%) and shy (34% vs. 18%) than their counterparts. Compared to women with clear skin, women with rosacea symptoms were considered to be less intelligent (36% vs. 43%) and not as successful (18% vs. 32%).

“The survey results confirm that rosacea can have a strong impact on people professionally, socially and romantically,” said Samuel Huff, Executive Director of the National Rosacea Society.

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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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Rosacea Education by Dermatologists in Honor of Rosacea Awareness Month

Posted on April 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

Rosacea afflicts 16 million Americans and most of them don’t know it, but 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 Month to alert the public of the warning signs of rosacea and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. In support of this effort, Vivacare has provided in-depth rosacea education resources to the 3,000 dermatologists that use Vivacare’s “From Your Doctor” patient education service. Vivacare has expanded the patient education content regarding rosacea to include patient handouts about the different subtypes of rosacea and rosacea treatment options, including topical medications (Finacea®, MetroGel®), oral medications (Oracea®), surgical procedures, IPL for rosacea, and a rosacea diary.

Dr. Mark Becker, pediatrician and President of Vivacare said that “by providing dermatologists with in-depth resources about rosacea, we help them inform their communities about this under diagnosed skin condition and the availability of safe and effective treatments.”

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