Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 1; 80(5): 461-8Goldgar C, Keahey DJ, Houchins JRosacea is a common chronic, and sometimes progressive, dermatosis. It is characterized, alone or in combination, by central facial erythema,symmetric flushing, stinging sensation, inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules), telangiectasias, and phymatous changes (tissue hyperplasia and nodules). Rosacea can occur in adults of any ethnicity,and adversely affects patients' quality of life. The condition can be effectively controlled with therapy tailored to the specific subtype of rosacea that is affecting the patient. Topical metronidazole, sulfacetamide/sulfur, and azelaic acid are generally effective for patients with mild rosacea. For moderate papulopustular rosacea, combination therapy with oral tetracyclines and topical agents is the first-line choice. Treatment with a topical agent, such as metronidazole, may help maintain remission. Patients with ocular involvement may benefit from long-term oral antibiotics and metronidazole gel. Referral to a subspecialist is necessary for patients who have ocular rosacea with ophthalmic complications, severe or recalcitrant rosacea, or phymatous changes.
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...