Rosacea is a common, but often overlooked, skin condition of uncertain etiology that can lead to significant facial disfigurement, ocular complications, and severe emotional distress.

By Sharon Stajda

What Is Rosacea?

osacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha) is a common  disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans, most of them don't  even know it?  In fact,  rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, to contract rosacea.  Gallup survey's findings have shown  that 78% of Americans have no knowledge of the condition rosacea. And more shocking, the general public do not know how to recognize rosacea or what can be done to treat it.

First and foremost - Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Because of its most prominent symptoms, the red-faced, acne-like rash on the face, it can be devastating not only on ones personal appearance, but as a rule it stands to be psychologically harmful. Rosacea,  can , and does in many cases make a person feel   the psychological  pangs of standing out in a crowd.Surveys by the National Rosacea Society, show that nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients state that rosacea had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem. Many claiming that rosacea had caused them to avoid public contact, and become leery of public functions. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, nearly 70 percent said the disorder had deeply affected their professional interactions, and caused them to missed work because of their visible symptoms.

The cause of rosacea is unknown, and as of yet there is no cure.  There is medical help for rosacea, and its outward symptom's can be diminished. The first thing to do if you think you might have rosacea -- head to the doctor.  A dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician can help with diagnosis, and treatment.  It is so important to have the condition rosacea treated quickly,     so that treatment can be started when signs and symptoms are mild, become they become increasingly severe.

Do I Have Rosacea?

Signs And Symptoms To Look For

Redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Small visible blood vessels on the face. Bumps or pimples on the face. Ocular problems,Watery or irritated eyes. What CanTrigger Rosacea? Common triggers can include: exposure to the sun cold weather, sudden emotion upset hot beverages, alcohol consumption

Treatment Of Rosacea

First And Foremost Prevention Is The Key

The first step to initial therapeutic  treatment is  avoidance of exacerbating factors for rosacea.  Avoid the triggers...  Persons with rosacea should avoid sun exposure , and regularly use sunscreen products.  Studies suggest that  persons with rosacea better tolerate sunscreens that contain simethicone or cyclomethicone.  These ingredients are less Irritating to the skin. It is also wise to  limit cosmetics use, and other skin care products.

Uses Of Antibiotics To Treat Rosacea

Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline (Vibramycin), and metronidazole (Flagyl) have shown through trail, and studies to effectively treat papulopustular rosacea. Topical metronidazole (cream [MetroCream] or gel [MetroGel]) administered twice daily is as effective as oral tetracycline, and is in most cases the agent of choice for pustular and papular rosacea.  One can experience burning and stinging with the use of topical metronidazole. It is suggested via trail studies that topical metronidazole also reduces erythema (redness)  in some patients.  Rosacea is a chronic, relapsing disorder, long-term treatment is generally required to control rosacea.

Second Line Of Defense Therapy

In some cases antibiotics won't do the job or were partially successful, oral isotretinoin (Accutane) or topical tretinoin (Retin-A) therapy may be  tried.  Retinoid treatment (especially in the topical form) may help heal the lession (pustular forms). But can and may worsen facial redness.

Other secondary therapies  may include: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), methotrexate, dapsone, primaquine, chloroquine (Aralen), and oral prednisone.

Treatment Of Redness & Flushing

Oral and topical antibiotics are often ineffective in the treatment of erythema and flushing. The most effective way to prevent flushing and redness again is to avoid associated triggers.  Low-dose of clonidine (Catapres; 0.05 mg twice daily) may be prescribed by your doctor to help control flushing, and redness.