Dr. Robert Salmon
25 Osborne Street
WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Ph 02 4226 3088
Fax 02 4227 1606
mail@idlc.com.au
Rosacea
Rosacea is a facial condition consisting of background redness, enlarged capillaries, inflamed bumps (papules) and pimples (pustules). It can be a socially embarrassing problem, but usually, control can be achieved by a combination of general measures, creams, occasionally antibiotic tablets, and light therapy (lasers and/or broad band light treatment).
Rosacea is seen most often in women between the ages of 20 and 60, but it can also affect men. It is more of a problem in people of Anglo-Celtic origin (often called “the curse of the Celts”). While seen more often in people who flush and blush easily, these symptoms by themselves do not mean that the person has rosacea.
The cause of the problem is unknown, but medical authorities generally agree that there is a genetic component. The fact that antibiotic treatment improves the condition has led some researchers to believe that skin bacteria play a role in the cause. In general, it is a condition that can be controlled, but not cured completely.
Rhinophyma is an associated problem where the skin of the nose becomes thickened by enlarged oil glands. It used to be called “whiskey nose” but is not caused by alcohol consumption. Severe cases often require treatment with lasers that can precisely ablate the nasal skin back to its normal thickness.
The important general measure to improve rosacea is to avoid those factors that cause flushing and blushing. That includes too many blankets at bedtime, alcohol, “hot” foods, such as chili and hot drinks. Antibiotics, either in cream form, or for more severe cases, tablets, still remain the basis for treating the more severe cases.
Laser and/or broad band light is the only way to improve the background redness and enlarged capillaries. If severe enough, laser therapy is partly funded by Medicare.