Ask the Doctors

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Q I'm a rosacea sufferer and recently read a medical article on a drug for treating rosacea that claims it might heal the condition. Do you have any information that might validate such a claim?

Response from Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, former director of dermatology products at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pioneer researcher on flushing and leading expert on rosacea:

While medical treatments are available that can control its various signs and symptoms, there is currently no cure for rosacea. However, news reports of new therapies are often so glowing as to seem to suggest to readers that a cure may be possible. Although there are products that can be very effective in achieving control and even remission, there are no therapies that are proven to permanently eradicate the signs and symptoms of rosacea.

The most reliable source of accurate information about any drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may be the product information sheets included with the drug itself, and this information is also typically available for viewing online. It is important to read the package insert carefully. Per U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, information about prescription drugs must be carefully worded in order to precisely describe the therapy's action, risks and benefits.

Product information will include the therapy's indications -- that is, what condition or signs and symptoms it is useful for; its dosage and how it is administered; possible adverse reactions it may cause; contraindications -- the specific circumstances when it should not be used; as well as a wealth of further information on clinical testing in which the drug's effectiveness and possible effects, and other data, were assessed. Importantly, product information may not make claims about its effects that have not been established in testing.

Although no currently approved therapies can claim to permanently cure rosacea, a treatment regimen that might include avoidance of specific triggers along with medications may lead to very long-lasting remissions in many patients.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Q I feel extremely worried and depressed about my appearance, and don't know what to do. I think I have rosacea because my nose has changed color or it looks red and irritated, and it's swollen in the mornings.

Response from Dr. Ted Grossbart, assistant clinical professor of psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University and author of Skin Deep: A Mind-Body Approach to Healthy Skin:

You are not alone in your distress. In addition to its physical signs and symptoms, one of the most serious consequences of rosacea may be the emotional anguish that comes from its effects on personal appearance.

A key first step is to seek medical help and consult a dermatologist, who can determine whether you have rosacea and prescribe or recommend appropriate therapy. While rosacea has no cure, treatments are available to control or eradicate its signs and symptoms. The effects of rosacea on appearance can be further minimized with lifestyle changes, proper skin care and cosmetics.

It's also important to keep personal appearance in proper perspective, and to obtain psychological help if needed. Emotional stress itself is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups in many patients. Facing the disorder armed with the knowledge, coping skills and therapy to bring it under control will help to break the cycle of emotional distress from rosacea that may contribute to continued flare-ups.