Rosacea

A survey of people with rosacea was conducted in 2006 to gain insight into experiences with rosacea therapies and relationships with health care providers. The survey was completed by 2946 participants, of whom 2847 had been diagnosed with rosacea. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 81 years (mean age 50 years). Among those diagnosed with rosacea, 80% agreed that medication prevented their rosacea from worsening. Most respondents currently using prescription medication (82%) did not plan to discontinue its use. Among current users of medication, 46% had switched from a prior agent, usually due to the lack of improvement. Among respondents who previously switched therapies, 84% reported using some formulation of topical metronidazole. Of those respondents who discussed rosacea with their physician, 83% agreed that their physician influences their use of medication; 61% viewed their physician-in most cases a dermatologist-as a partner in managing their rosacea . "Results of a n...

Seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by erythema and/or flaking or scaling in areas of high sebaceous activity, affects up to 5% of the US population and often appears in conjunction with other common skin disorders, such as rosacea and acne . Despite ongoing research, its etiology is puzzling. Increased sebaceous and hormonal (androgenic) activity is thought to play a part. Recent evidence suggests an important role for individual susceptibility to irritant metabolites of the skin commensal Malassezia, most probably M globosa. Current approaches thus include agents with antifungal as well as antikeratinizing, and anti-inflammatory activity. Azelaic acid, which has all 3 properties, may be a useful addition to first-line management, which now comprises of topical steroids, the immunosuppressant agents tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, azoles and other antifungals, and keratolytic agents. A recent exploratory study supports the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid 15% gel in seborrheic dermat...

Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease of unknown prevalence. The proportion of contact allergy complicating rosacea and its therapy , respectively, is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of specific contact allergy in rosacea patients and to compare this with the prevalence observed in the general population and in general patch test patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this prospective monocentre study, 78 patients with rosacea were investigated for contact sensitizations via patch testing the standard series, constituents of topical formulations, preservatives, fragrances, topically applied drugs and, if available, patient's own products. RESULTS: Positive reactions occurred to nickel (II) sulphate (12 of 78, 15.4%), fragrance mix I (4 of 77, 5.2%), balsam of Peru (8 of 77, 10.4%; significantly elevated prevalence compared to that observed in the population-based KORA study), potassium dichromate (4 of 78, 5.1%) and Lyral (3 of 78, 3.8%). Regarding...