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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Confused about Rosacea
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Confused about Rosacea
by Ebru, May 19, 2000 12:00AM
I notice much more in the news about Rosacea (perhaps because of baby boomers) but I am confused. Some doctors say Rosacea is always progressive. Some say not. Some say any flushing even when exercising or during stress indicates a predispostion to Rosacea. At the gym I notice every single person flushes so therefore every single person there has Rosacea? WHy is there so much confusion? Is Rosacea always progressive or is the disease a spectrum? Perhaps you could shed some light on the situation. I have a very mild case of Rosacea (my derm said I "could" have a "touch") and I just wondered if it would definitely progress.
Regards
Vaugn
Regards
Vaugn
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 21, 2000 12:00AM
, May 21, 2000 12:00AM
Vaugn:
Your questions are quite perceptive. I spend a fair amount of time in my office telling people who ahve some redness or a few blood vessels, or ho fluch sometimes that they don't have roscaea. Some doctors may differ, but I consider rosacea to be pimples and pustules which may be associated with redness and flushing (but not always--blacks get rosacea too.) In any case, roscaea is most definitely not always progressive; I have plenty of patients who have an outbreak from time to time, and that's it.
A lot of the rosacea hype comes from organiations and groups supported by companies who make rosacea medicine. Although I admit my view is not shared by all, I think the condition deserves a little treatment and not much attention or concern. With that approach, I think my patients do fine.
best.
Dr. R
Your questions are quite perceptive. I spend a fair amount of time in my office telling people who ahve some redness or a few blood vessels, or ho fluch sometimes that they don't have roscaea. Some doctors may differ, but I consider rosacea to be pimples and pustules which may be associated with redness and flushing (but not always--blacks get rosacea too.) In any case, roscaea is most definitely not always progressive; I have plenty of patients who have an outbreak from time to time, and that's it.
A lot of the rosacea hype comes from organiations and groups supported by companies who make rosacea medicine. Although I admit my view is not shared by all, I think the condition deserves a little treatment and not much attention or concern. With that approach, I think my patients do fine.
best.
Dr. R
Thank You for your response. It is nice to get a perspective from someone not "on the take".
:-)
Regards,
Vaugn