Confused about Rosacea

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

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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

[Ebru]

Dr.,

Thank You for your response. It is nice to get a perspective from someone not "on the take".

:-)


Regards,

Vaugn