Rosacea Review

Fall 2005

• FEATURE: Scientists Report New Findings at Rosacea Research Workshop
• FEATURE: Therapy, Lifestyle Bring Successful Rosacea Control
• FEATURE: Hot Sauce, Wine and Tomatoes Cause Flare-ups, Survey Finds
• Q & A: Answers to Readers' Questions
• TIPS: Reducing Holiday Flare-ups
• READER SURVEY ON ROSACEA
• BRIEF: Is It Rosacea -- or Just Sun Damage?
• SUCCESS STORY: Florida Heat, Sun Not Only Cause for Her Red Face

Is It Rosacea -- or Just Sun Damage?

A poster presented at a recent meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology by Dr. Ronald Marks, professor emeritus at the University of Wales, raised the question of whether subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic) rosacea can be distinguished from sun-damaged skin.

Dr. Marks observed that patients with sun-damaged skin often exhibit facial redness and visible blood vessels, which are also symptomatic of subtype 1 rosacea.

"In order to differentiate whether it is rosacea or simply sun damage, it is essential to obtain a patient history," said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea. "In cases where the patient spends a substantial amount of time outdoors over many years, such as a landscaper or mail carrier, the facial redness and visible blood vessels may potentially be due to sun damage alone. However, if the patient is indoors much of the day or has a history of repeated flushing, the proper diagnosis is likely to be rosacea."