According to Practical Dermatology (March 2011), more than 16 million Americans are affected by rosacea.  When most people hear the word rosacea, they think of facial redness.  However, rosacea is a little more complicated than that.  Rosacea is a tendency to flush or blush easily. The condition progresses to persistent redness, pimples, and visible threadlike blood vessels (telangiectasias) in the center of the face. These skin changes can eventually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.  The National Rosacea Society conducted a survey recently in which 76 percent of surveyed rosacea patients stated that their skin condition lowered their self-esteem and self-confidence.  Surprisingly, “only a fraction of the millions of Americans suffering from the condition has been treated”  (Practical Dermatology, March 2011).

So what are the treatment options available to those suffering with rosacea?  Patients may want to consider an oral antibiotic or topical treatments.  There are several prescription, as well as cosmeceutical products that are safe and effective.  In our office, we recommend DermSD Recover which is very effective at reducing redness and calming inflamed skin.  Of course when choosing this treatment method, patient compliance is crucial.  When oral antibiotics and topicals aren’t enough, patients may want to consider laser treatment.  Pulsed dye lasers, like the Vbeam, are extremely effective at reducing redness, minimizing telangiectasias, and decreasing breakouts associated with rosacea.  In this day and age of technology-on-the-go, a new resource will become available to those with rosacea: a smart phone app!  The Rosacea App, which will launch in April, will provide those who have, or think they have rosacea with valuable information. 

To learn more about rosacea and available treatment options, please visit the following links:

San Diego Dermatology Medical Dermatology Reference Library

San Diego Dermatology Blood Vessel Treatment

National Rosacea Society