Treatment for Rosacea Sufferers

Since 2003, people with rosacea have had a treatment option called Finaceaź (azelaic acid) 15% Gel that provides effective reduction of facial redness and pimples.

Azelaic acid is a natural material produced by yeast that normally lives on the skin. While azelaic acid is not new, its manufacture as a gel is different because its non-greasy formula can be worn under makeup. Azelaic acid in different cream forms is already packaged under other brand names.

Doctors typically prescribe azelaic acid for acne, which is entirely different from the skin disease rosacea, although it also forms pimples. But rosacea pimples are not usually blackheads and whiteheads like those of acne. Rosacea has visible small blood vessels in the pimples, some containing pus, and appears as small red bumps. Unlike acne, which typically occurs in teenagers, rosacea usually strikes adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

Many people with rosacea don't realize it can be a treatable disease, instead believing it is acne or sunburn.

"People need to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment instead of going the path of answering ads on the back of magazines," says James Del Rosso, D.O., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas and in private practice. "They're going to spas, buying all these 'miracle' drugs that cost an arm and a leg. These 'empty promise' creams aren't regulated by the FDA."

Over-the-counter medication doesn't help and can actually aggravate it. Most people can get the condition under control with a dermatologist's help. Treatments include topical products and oral medications.

A survey by the National Rosacea Society says that 70 percent of the people with rosacea had lowered self-confidence and self-esteem due to its affect on their appearance. And 41 percent said the condition caused them to avoid public contact or to cancel social engagements.

Former President Bill Clinton has the condition, which afflicts at least 14 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease with no cure and can cause swelling and redness similar to a perpetual flush or sunburn. Pimples occur as the disease progresses.

About half the people who get the disease get it around the eyes and on the eyelids. They might experience burning and grittiness of the eyes known as conjunctivitis. The eyes can become red, bloodshot and vision can become blurry. Some people may have facial burning, stinging or itching. The rash can also occur beyond the face, on the neck, chest, and scalp.

No one knows what causes rosacea. But heredity and environment may play a role. The condition tends to occur in people with lighter skin, such as those with blond hair and blue eyes. Women more frequently get rosacea but when men get it, it tends to take more severe forms.

Medications applied directly to the skin, such as Finacea, may take four weeks to start working. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Most common are itching, burning, stinging and tingling. Other side effects were reported in less than 1 percent of people using the medication.

Sources:

The American Academy of Dermatologists

National Rosacea Society

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.