What are Rosacea (Rose Disease) and Medical Treatments?
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease with symptoms such as redness in the facial area, dilated capillaries, acne-like formations and thickening of the skin over time. It is usually seen more frequently in fair-skinned individuals, women between the ages of 30-50. However, although it is less common in men, it can be more severe. The disease shows periodic flare-ups and remissions.

Clinical Subtypes of Rosacea

Erythemato-Telangiectatic Rosacea (ETR): It is characterized by permanent redness, a feeling of warmth and prominent capillaries on the face. In this type, the skin is quite sensitive and can be easily irritated by environmental factors.

Papulopustular Rosacea (PPR): In addition to redness, acne-like swellings (papules and pustules) are seen. It is similar to acne but does not contain comedones (blackheads). The response to treatment is usually good.

Phymatous Rosacea: It is characterized by thickening of the skin tissue, especially on the nose (rhinophyma) and rarely on the chin, forehead or ears. This form is usually seen in men and in older ages.

Ocular Rosacea: It progresses with symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness and sensitivity to light in the eyes. It may occur before skin findings in some patients.

Other Conditions Associated with Rosacea

Rosacea can be confused with or present with some dermatological conditions. These include demodex infestation, perioral dermatitis and dermatitis developing after steroid use. In particular, uncontrolled use of long-term cortisone-containing creams can worsen the condition.

Methods Used in Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea treatment should be planned individually. The treatment approach varies according to factors such as the subtype of the disease, its severity and the patient's lifestyle.

Topical Treatments:

Brimonidine and Oxymetazoline: Reduces redness with its temporary vasoconstrictive effect.

Metronidazole, Azelaic Acid, Ivermectin: Reduces papules and pustules by showing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Systemic Treatments:

Antibiotics such as low-dose doxycycline are used in mild-moderate cases.

Retinoids such as isotretinoin may be preferred in severe cases, but require careful monitoring.

Laser and Light Therapies:

Vascular-targeted lasers (PDL, Nd:YAG) and IPL are effective treatments for redness and capillaries.

Ablative lasers can be used for fibrotic changes.

Additional Treatments:

Reducing skin sensitivity with moisturizers and barrier repair products

Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreens

Topical or systemic antiparasitic agents (especially in the presence of demodex) in some patients

Lifestyle and Triggers

In addition to medical approaches in the treatment of rosacea, the patient's lifestyle adjustments are very important. The following factors can exacerbate the disease:

Hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol

Sudden temperature changes (sauna, sun, wind)

Stress and intense exercise

Inappropriate cosmetic products

If patients avoid these triggers, treatment success will increase significantly.

Conclusion

Although rosacea cannot be completely cured, it is a disease that can be controlled with appropriate treatment and skin care. With modern treatment options, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms. A personalized treatment approach planned with the evaluation of a specialist dermatologist can significantly increase the quality of life of patients