- Information for Patients
- All About Rosacea
- Faces of Rosacea
- Treatment Photos
- Rosacea FAQ
- Management Options
- Medical Therapy
- Rosacea Triggers
- Skin Care & Cosmetics
- Makeup Tips
- Ask the Doctors
- Seborrhea
- Rosacea Review Newsletter
- Understanding Rosacea Brochure
- Managing Rosacea Brochure
- Coping with Rosacea Brochure
- Rosacea Diary Booklet
- Materials Request Form
- Physician Finder
- Glossary
- Join Us
- How to Donate
- Home
Recent Questions
- I was just diagnosed with papulopustular rosacea today. The dermatologist prescribed a topical medication. Am I able to put a moisturizer over the topical therapy before I apply my makeup?
- Although I have rosacea, the symptoms only appear in the winter, not during the summer. Is it possible to have "winter rosacea"?
- What are the symptoms of corneal damage due to ocular rosacea? I have annoying spots that are in my visual field and are most noticeable when I am reading.
- I have what looks like acne (red bumps, but no pus or blackheads) on my upper forehead and scalp. I don’t have the characteristic subtype 1 rosacea sign of facial flushing. Is it possible to have papulopustular rosacea without the facial flushing?
- I have what looks like papulopustular rosacea, but it is only on my right cheek. Can rosacea affect only part of the face?
- Ask the Doctors Archive »
Syndicate this weblogAsk a Question
Name and email address will not be published on the Web site.
Have a question about rosacea?
Leading dermatologists, ophthalmologists, researchers and others will answer questions about this chronic but treatable condition. New questions are answered every month, so be sure to check back regularly.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Q Do beta-blockers help reduce flushing from rosacea?
AResponse from Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the NRS medical advisory board, pioneer researcher on flushing and leading expert on rosacea:
In severe cases, a beta-blocker may sometimes be prescribed to help reduce emotionally triggered flushing that is controlled by the autonomic nerves -- the nerves that control functions such as heart rate. This type of flushing usually results from emotional stress such as embarrassment, presenting a talk or performing on a test or onstage. Often, the blushing is accompanied by a sensation of the heart beating, a more rapid pulse, dry mouth and a feeling of tightening of facial skin. The dosage of the beta-blocker is generally lower than for other medical conditions and the heart rate needs to be monitored to avoid too slow a pulse. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or asthma may need to avoid these treatments.
Rosacea patients may also experience “dry flushing,” which is redness without concomitant sweating. Niacin, alcohol and some medications may cause this kind of flushing. Beyond avoidance of such trigger factors, in severe cases specific treatment such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for niacin flushing may be prescribed to help control this type of flushing.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Q I have been using a topical rosacea therapy for about a week and nothing seems to be getting better. How long does a flare-up usually last?
AResponse from Dr. Boni Elewski, professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology:
After starting topical therapy for rosacea, it often takes a few weeks before improvement begins to be seen. Once your rosacea is under control, it is important to continue therapy on a long-term basis in order to help maintain remission.
Rosacea patients are also advised to identify and minimize environmental or lifestyle factors that may exacerbate the condition and trigger flare-ups of signs and symptoms. Rosacea triggers vary from one person to another, and some of the most common include sun, stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol and spicy food. The length of a flare-up can also vary substantially among patients and circumstances, and may typically range from a few days to several weeks.
About Ask the Doctors
To submit a question, use the "Ask a Question" box above. Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered. In some cases, similar questions may receive a combined answer.
All medical information in “Ask the Doctors” has been provided by experts. However, the information posted here by Ask the Doctors contributors should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a physician. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and diagnosis and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case.
The NRS does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular health-care providers, medications, products, equipment or treatments. Links to other Web sites are provided as a service to our users, and do not constitute endorsement of the sites by the NRS or the Ask the Doctors experts. The NRS is not responsible for the content of external Web sites.
Please see our disclaimer page.