Acne rosacea

Acne rosacea is a common inflammatory disease of the face – particularly affecting the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. In its early stages it most often causes red pimples and pus-filled cysts similar to those seen in ordinary teenage acne. Rosacea is a chronic disorder which usually requires intermittent, and sometimes chronic, therapy. Acne rosacea is treated by Dr. Phyllis Smith in our Huntington NY office.

Typically, flare-ups alternate with periods of less activity.  The exact cause of acne rosacea is unknown. The skin disease may, in rare cases, be associated with an inflammation of the eyelids known as blepharitis.

How is Acne rosacea treated?

• If Acne rosacea is fairly severe, our physician may prescribe antibiotics to help control the inflammation. All of these drugs have certain things in common: 1.) They must be taken with great regularity to be of maximum benefit. 2.) Though quite safe and relatively free of side effects, any disturbing symptoms which arise during their use should be reported to us so that we can determine whether they might be due to the medicine. 3.) Any of the antibiotics prescribed should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Other important considerations with acne rosacea:

• Use the prescribed cleanser to wash your face. Wash very gently with your fingertips once or twice daily. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
• All oil-containing skin care preparations, especially moisturizing lotions and cleansing creams, may aggravate acne rosacea. Products containing grease or oil should not be used as part of your routine of daily skin care. Such products may be used occasionally during the dry, cold, winter months to relieve chapping. A list of preferred cosmetics can be provided to you upon request.
• The National Rosacea Society surveyed its 158,000 newsletter subscribers. Rosacea sufferers who responded to that survey ranked the factors which aggravate their disease in order of importance:
  • Strong direct sunlight.
  • Emotional stress or anxiety.
  • Hot weather, especially hot, humid weather.
  • Highly seasoned, spicy foods.
  • Exercise and exertion.
  • Cold weather, especially exposure of the face to cold wind.
  • Hot baths.
  • Hot beverages in large quantities and abundant use of very hot foods such as soups, hot pizza, etc.
  • Alcoholic beverages in more than minimal quantities.
  • The following foods were listed: eggplant, spinach, avocados, bean pods, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, vinegar, citrus fruits, bananas, red plums, tomatoes, raisins and figs. Yeast extracts sometimes caused trouble, though bread was not reported.

For additional information and to be placed on a mailing list, you may write:

The National Rosacea Society
220 South Cook Street, Suite 201
Barrington, Illinois 60010