The month of April is Rosacea Awareness Month. As a result, here are some tips from Dr. Michael Gold, on how to best care for this condition that affects over 14 million people.
Recommendations for Treatment:
- People with rosacea need to be aware of and avoid the known triggers – alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, chocolate and to be careful when in the sun.
- Patients needing medical therapy have several options; such as the newer anti-inflammatory pill that is theoretically not an antibiotic because of its dosage and is the only FDA approved pill for rosacea.
- In addition to medicines, various lasers and light sources can be used to treat the red of rosacea. Some actually contend that lasers and light sources should be used with all rosacea.
o Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – device can be used to treat the blood vessels.
o Pulsed Dye Lasers – device can also be used to treat the blood vessels. - Dermatologic dispensed cosmeceuticals are also important. Several newer anti-redness topicals have become available, with companies working on the various mechanisms which cause facial redness and flushing.