Rosacea Review

Summer 2005

• FEATURE: Lasers Offer Key Treatment Options for More Difficult Signs of Rosacea
• FEATURE: Smart Sun Protection Keeps Flare-Ups Away
• FEATURE: Rosacea Often Affects Patients' Social Lives, New Survey Finds
• Q & A: Answers to Readers' Questions
• TIPS: Enjoying Summertime Foods and Beverages
• READER SURVEY ON ROSACEA
• BRIEF: Tears May Mark Ocular Rosacea
• SUCCESS STORY: Wake-Up Call Leads to Diagnosis of Rosacea

Q & A

Q.Is it safe for someone with ocular rosacea to wear contact lenses?

A. Anyone with ocular rosacea should consult their physician about the safety of wearing contact lenses in their particular case. Depending on the individual, the symptoms of ocular rosacea may make wearing contact lenses problematic.

Common symptoms may include watery or bloodshot eyes, foreign body sensation, burning or stinging, dryness, itching and light sensitivity. Blepharitis, where the eyelids are red and swollen and have dried crusts, and chalazion, a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid, may also occur. However, the good news is that with appropriate treatment, symptoms of ocular rosacea may be brought under control.

Q. I experience red, burning ears. Is this condition related to rosacea?

A. The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea included the occurrence of rosacea in a peripheral location as a secondary feature of the disorder. In an NRS survey of more than 1,600 rosacea patients, 4 percent reported signs and symptoms of rosacea on the ears. A dermatologist may be able to determine whether your red, burning ears are related to rosacea.