Rosacea: a review

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the facial skin affecting the blood vessels and pilosebaceous units. Rosacea is more common in persons of northern and western European descent with a fair complexion, but it can affect skin of any color. Although symptoms may wax and wane during the short term, rosacea can progress with time. Patients usually present with complaints of flushing and blushing and sensitive skin, and their skin may be especially irritated by topical preparations. Rosacea has a variety of triggers; however, they may be unnoticed by the patient.Standard treatments approved by the FDA include azelaic acid, topical metronidazole, and oral tetracyclines, in particular minocycline and doxycycline. Other topical treatments include topical clindamycin, subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline, and sulfur products. Azithromycin and controlled-release minocycline are possible options for treating rosacea, but the FDA has not approved either agent for this indication.