P T. 2009 Jan; 34(1): 38-45Culp B, Scheinfeld NRosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the facial skin affecting the blood vessels and pilosebaceous units. Rosacea is more common in persons of northern and western European descent with a fair complexion, but it can affect skin of any color. Although symptoms may wax and wane during the short term, rosacea can progress with time. Patients usually present with complaints of flushing and blushing and sensitive skin, and their skin may be especially irritated by topical preparations. Rosacea has a variety of triggers; however, they may be unnoticed by the patient.Standard treatments approved by the FDA include azelaic acid, topical metronidazole, and oral tetracyclines, in particular minocycline and doxycycline. Other topical treatments include topical clindamycin, subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline, and sulfur products. Azithromycin and controlled-release minocycline are possible options for treating rosacea, but the FDA has not approved either agent for this indication.
Rosacea is a common skin condition but the treatments currently available are not satisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of stage I rosacea (flushing, erythema and telangiectasia). METHODS: Thirty-four patients were treated, 25 women and nine men, mean age 47 years. The treatment employed was IPL 515-1200 nm, with a 560 nm cut-off filter. The fluence range was 24-32 J cm(-2). Four treatments were administered on the face at 3-week intervals. Erythema values were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment period on the cheeks and chin. Digital photographs were assessed by a consultant dermatologist on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients' assessments were also made using a 10-point VAS. Outcome measures were repeated 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: After four treatments the mean reduction of the erythema values was 39% on the cheeks (P The severity of rosacea was reduced on average by 3.5 points on the 10...