What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms that include facial flushing and a spectrum of clinical signs, including redness, visibly dilated superficial blood vessels, coarseness of the skin, and an inflammatory papulopustular eruption resembling acne. Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, there is a genetic component. Episodes of activity can be triggered by the ingestion of spicy foods, hot drinks, temperature change, chemical irritation, topical steroid use, stress or the exposure to the sun and other heat sources.
Rosacea Treatment options include cleansers and sunscreens, prescription medications such as topical antibiotics, vasoconstrictors, retinoids and azelaic acid, as well as low-dose oral antibiotics. The triggering factors that exacerbate the patient’s rosacea should be identified and avoided if possible. In addition, the Cynosure/Palomar Icon IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) system has been shown to decrease the clinical signs and symptoms of rosacea.
