Description
This article is from the Rosacea Disorder
FAQ, by David Pascoe pascoedj+usenet@spamcop.net with numerous
contributions by others.
2. How can Rosacea be treated ?
The best answer is "working with the support of your registered health
professional". There are medications available that control the redness
and reduce the number of papules and pustules associated with rosacea.
Current run-of-the-mill treatment might include oral antibiotics and
topical metronidazole. One study showed that the use of topical
metronidazole alone can help some sufferers to reduce rosacea flare-ups
once the rosacea is brought under control.
For those sufferers that do not benefit from the metronidazole based
treatments, there are many other options. Quite a few treatments options
are often discussed on the rosacea-support email group. Some of their
posts can be found under the `Treatments' tree on the list highlights page
see - http://rosacea.ii.net/toc.html
Experts agree that a gentle cleansing regime is very important. Avoiding
chemicals that aggravate the rosacea, but will clean and moisturise the
skin is a step in the right direction.
As the sun is a strong trigger for many rosacea sufferers, a good
non-irritating sunscreen used daily is very important. For those who react
badly to chemical sunscreens, a physical sunscreen may be more suitable.
Physical sunscreens rely on the reflective properties of the main
ingredients (rather than the ability of some chemicals to absorb the sun's
energy). The most common physical sunscreens are based on zinc oxide or
titatinium dioxide.
The vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (known as Accutane or Roaccutane),
has been shown to be effective against severe papopustular rosacea. It
works by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and physically shrinking the
glands. It also has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal
to treat resistant rosacea. At low doses, accutane has also been shown to
reduce other symptoms such as facial burning and redness. Accutance is a
strong drug, and even at the low doses found beneficial to rosacea, should
be used under strict supervision of your doctor.
Low does accutance may be more suitable than the regular dose, as there
are less side effects and lesser chance of aggravating redness.
The mixed light pulse laser - Photoderm is showing promise as a treatment
for the vascular component of rosacea. It works by targeting facial
microvessels that are damaged.
One treatment that has been shown to help some is Rosacea-LTD III. It is
the third generation of topical mineral salt based treatment. The minerals
shrink facial vessels as well as reduce papules and pustules. More
information is available at http://www.rosacea-ltd.com
For those wanting to treat the flushing side of their rosacea, 2 drugs are
worth investigating. Monoxidine and Clonodine are 2 anti-hypertensives
that you could look at with your doctor.
From a subjective view of the rosacea-support list members it would appear
that one person's treatment does not necessarily suit another, so your
mileage may vary with any recommended treatment. Experiment a little and
find what helps you. Depending on the stage of your rosacea, some
treatments may be aggravating, while for others the same treatment may not
cause problems. Every rosacea patient is unique and needs individual
treatment.
Whatever path you choose, the support of a doctor or dermatologist that is
willing to work with you will be very important, so shop around until you
are happy with your health professional.
Dr. Nase's book will serve as a valuable resource - it contains detailed
and proven current rosacea treatment information.
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