A previous study in 1994 also found that Vitamin K cream reduced the severity of post PDL purpura.

Whilst the redness and indeed purpleness that Pulsed Dye Laser treatments can cause will heal without intervention, any option to reduce the downtime after treatment will be welcomed.

Pulsed Dye Laser treatments can also be extremely painful. A 2009 paper detailed the use of Pnuematic Skin Flattening to reduce the pain of PDL.

Topical formulations of Vitamin K Oxide are currently available via some doctors and indeed online. A product range from Biopelle known as Auriderm suggests the following to support the promotion of its’ products; “It’s the Vitamin K Oxide – not the Vitamin K – that clears unwanted discoloration and builds vasculature. Vitamin K was effective because it provided the raw material to create Vitamin K Oxide, which really did the work.”

The science of Vitamin K Oxide

Vitamin K has shown effectiveness in dealing with this because it initiates the Vitamin K cycle of healing: In the event of trauma, Vitamin K converts to Vitamin K Oxide, activating the Coagulation Factors in the clotting cascade. The cycle continues when Vitamin K Oxide converts back to Vitamin K, converting the staining ion (Fe+3) to the more easily absorbed ion (Fe+2), blocking and/or reversing the formation of hemosiderin.

Vitamin K itself is inherently unstable in topical formulations, perhaps explaining why Vitamin K topicals so far haven’t to date shown huge promise as rosacea treatments.

It is also worth noting that is has been shown that some people are allergic to Vitamin K. Also note that Auriderm suggests that Arnica Montana tablets be taken post-operatively, but some caution may be advised – Paula Begoun, in her article, When Blushing is Not by Choice: Causes and Treatments for Rosacea (web archive link), lists Arnica as something that potentially should be avoided.

Finally a related word of warning from a 2007 Scientific Committee on Consumer Products opinion on Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) suggested that;

Because of the inadequate nature of the dossier submitted, the SCCP is unable to provide an adequate safety evaluation for the use of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and its "oxide" in cosmetic products. However, as such use may cause cutaneous allergy, individuals so affected may be denied an important therapeutic agent.

Now to the Abstract:

The role of topical vitamin K oxide gel in the resolution of postprocedural purpura.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2009 Nov;8(11):1020-4.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Facial purpura is a frequent barrier to patient acceptance and satisfaction with the results of various cosmetic procedures. Methods to shorten the duration of purpura after such procedures are often sought by patients. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical gel containing vitamin K oxide in the resolution of laser induced purpura.

METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled split-face study, 20 subjects with bilateral facial telangiectasia were treated with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) device at purpuric settings. The test articles, a gel containing vitamin K oxide and placebo (vehicle), were each randomly assigned to one side of the subject’s face. Subjects applied the test articles twice a day for the following 9 +/- 1 days. Improvement in both focal and general field purpura on each side of the face was assessed by the investigator using photographs. A scale of -100% (worsening) to 100% (improving) was used to rate photos against a baseline photograph obtained 15-30 minutes after treatment with the PDL device.

RESULTS: Resolution of the field of purpura was consistently greater with the vitamin K oxide gel after the second day of treatment. The greatest difference between the vitamin K oxide gel and placebo scores occurred on the fourth day after treatment. Although differences in active versus placebo scores did not reach statistical significance during the nine-day study period, a trend toward faster resolution of purpura with the active product was seen. Treatment-related adverse effects were not observed in any subject.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin K oxide gel appears to hasten the resolution of pulsed dye laser-induced purpura in subjects being treated for bilateral facial telangiectasia, and may well be useful in accelerating resolution of facial bruising from other cosmetic procedures such as fillers used for soft-tissue augmentation as well as other types of cutaneous surgical procedures

As there are so few genuine treatments for the redness of rosacea, the availability and promotion of Vitamin K Oxide may lead to some interesting and useful options for rosacea sufferers.

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The aim of this trial is show which strength is the most suitable for general use. Trial participants will be using one of 4 different strengths: 0.07%, 0.18%, %0.50 or effectively %0 contained in the gel vehicle. This trial should be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for an eagerly anticipated FDA approval in 2010.

Rosacea News previously found a patent application listing the full ingredients for Sansrosa, which included a mention of the active ingredient Brimonidine tartrate at a concentration of 0.18%. This trial suggests that Galderma is now also interested in a almost 3 times as strong version of %0.50.

The trial details again confirm that Sansrosa is to be applied once per day and that benefits can be expected for up to 12 hours after application. The patent related to the Sanrosa product itself suggested that typical usage was 1-4 times per day.

Galderma is looking for 112 participants, and the register suggests that residents of Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia  and Arkansas are eligible. Please do post below if you get to be a part of this final phase of testing.

Galderma acquired the Sansrosa product through their acquisition of Collagenex. Rosacea News has been following this product for several years now, since Collagenex first started talking about a new product COL-118, in 2006. It appears that Galderma is approaching the final hurdle before being able to ask the FDA for permission to sell their product. It has been a long slow process, but it is encouraging to see this potential redness treatment reaching the end of the approvals process.

Read more of my extensive coverage of Sansrosa News.

Dose-Finding Study of CD07805/47 Topical Gel in Subjects With Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

This is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled, dose-finding study to investigate the pharmacodynamics and the safety of three dosages of CD07805/47 topical gel (0.07%, 0.18%, and 0.50%), after a single application in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of stable moderate to severe erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive either one of three CD07805/47 topical gel concentrations (0.07%, 0.18%, or 0.50%) or Vehicle Gel. All subjects will be treated with a single application (once daily dosing for one day) of study medication.

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The red swollen nose of rosacea is a much hated symptom. I know that this was the symptom that I despised most and indeed drove me 10 years ago to start to look for good information about how to treat rosacea. Incidentally, this drive lead to the creation of the internet based Rosacea Support Group in 1998.

I hated that I looked like I had adult acne and a constant sun-burned nose. Especially as I have somewhat fair skin, a red nose stood out a mile away.

There has been quite a lot of interest in a article I wrote titled “how to cure a red face (facial erythema or redness)“. That article gave some tips on how to deal with general facial redness. What about a red and swollen nose ? What can you do to treat a red rosacea nose ? Read on for some suggestions.

A rosacea nose has the extra complication that one might end up suffering from rhinophyma. Although rare, rhinophyma is also a much hated symptom of rosacea. While we don’t know for sure how any particular rosacea sufferer’s symptoms will progress, reducing your inflammation and flushing is a good start to winning the battle.

Here are my top tips for dealing with the red nose of rosacea.

Rosacea-LTD III

Rosacea-LTD was one of my first discoveries after starting to look for treatments on the internet in 1998. They consist of compressed disks of sulfur and various salts. You wet your face and glide them over the skin, leaving a thin film. For me these `disks’ did a great job of reducing the papules and pustules on my nose. I could feel them shrinking all those acne looking lumps and bumps. As much of my redness was associated with my papules and pustules, this treatment was a good step in the right direction. I continued to use rosacea-ltd for several years.

Disclaimer: rosacea-ltd is a site sponsor of rosacea-support.org

Oral Antibiotics

If the nasal swelling is associated with the papules and pustules normally seen in rosacea, then systemic antibiotics along with topical metrogel or finacea may also be of benefit. Once the papules and pustules are under control, the associated swelling may be reduced enough to see an overall benefit in appearance. One of the newer antibiotics on the market is a low dose form of doxycycline called Oracea, which may be useful in helping to maintain a long term benefit from antibiotic usage.

Accutane

Accutane or roaccutane has been used for many years to treat cystic acne. There is a good body of evidence to say that you can successfully treat rosacea with accutane. Additionally there are some published papers that deal specifically with treating rhinophyma with accutane.

Isotretinoin has also been demonstrated to decrease nasal volume in rhinophyma. The most significant regression has been noted in younger patients with less advanced disease.

…

Isotretinoin has also been demonstrated to decrease nasal volume in rhinophyma. The most significant regression has been noted in younger patients with less advanced disease.

Biopsy specimens from phymatous skin prior to isotretinoin therapy showed numerous large sebaceous glands. During isotretinoin therapy, the glands diminished in size and number. Other studies have confirmed the usefulness of isotretinoin for phymatous change.

[See treating rhinophyma with accutane]

Accutane is not a drug to be taken lightly. If you would like to try this as an option, the above references might help you find a doctor that can support you using this as a treatment option. You may also want to discuss the option of low-dose accutane with your doctor.

Covering Up

As you start to reduce the inflammation, you will probably also benefit from covering over some of the redness. Some options include the easily available Clinique Redness Solutions, or Eucerin Redness Relief which may be able to offer some relief from the redness. Additionally the green tinted version of the Tone Perfecting Cream may cover some redness.

Perhaps you can find some foundation or tinted moisturizer that you can also include in your daily regime. It might not be easily obtainable worldwide, but The Cancer Council in Australia has a range of tinted moisturiser SPF 25 that looks interesting. Don’t discount a liquid foundation as a possibility, even if you are a guy.

IPL and Lasers

We now know that IPL is excellent for treating a red face and broken blood vessels. Will any of the benefits of IPL also help a red swollen nose ? In general IPL and pulsed dye lasers are useful in reducing the redness flushing, burning,  itching, dryness and swelling of rosacea.

The AAD suggests that for thickening of the skin on the nose and cheeks as seen in rhinophyma, the CO2 laser and erbium:YAG laser can be used.

Surgical Options

When the growth of the nose tissue becomes impossible to manage with topicals or isotretinion, surgical intervention can be an option. Surgery can naturally have its own risks. With the removal of extra tissue also comes the risk of scarring.

CO2 Laser

A 2004  paper; The Gold Standard for Decortication of Rhinophyma: Combined Erbium-YAG/CO2 Laser, details how the authors suggest that the combined YAG/CO2 laser is superior to other lasers, scalpel, radiotherapy and skin grafts in dealing with rhinophyma.

Also some related comments from the AAD page Is laser treatment right for your rosacea? ;

Some patients with longstanding rosacea develop thickening skin on the nose and cheeks, which is called rhinophyma. The CO₂ laser and erbium:YAG laser can be used to remove this thickening skin and improve the contour of the nose. Other surgical procedures used to treat this condition include dermabrasion and excision with a scalpel. Treatment options may be combined to obtain best results.

Dermatologists recommend early treatment of rhinophyma to help prevent the condition from progressing and becoming more difficult to treat. In the advanced stages, rhinophyma can cause difficulty breathing through the nose. It also is possible for the nostrils to collapse.

Other Surgical Methods

A 2003 paper; New surgical adjuncts in the treatment of rhinophyma: the microdebrider and FloSeal details a novel technique using a standard microdebrider followed by a haemostatic sealant to eliminate bleeding.

Now Over to You

What have you found to be useful in your battles with a red nose ? Please help your fellow rosacea sufferers by leaving a comment below.

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The dermatology news sheet Dermatology Times has published an item to their web site about the emerging use of oxymetazoline to treat the redness and flushing associated with rosacea. This article draws from the Nov. 2007 paper that introduced us to the possibility of treating rosacea with oxymetazoline.

We also know from the Feb. 2008 meeting of the AAD that oxymetazoline is effective for up to 6 hours after application, and that no negative side effects have been seen after 3 months usage. Further comments here in the DT article extends the apparent `durable’ treatment period to 2 years. Note that this successful long term avoidance of rebound whilst using oxymetazoline refers to just one patient.

Dr. Shanler notes that loss of effectiveness and rebound dilation is a problem associated with the use of intranasal use of oxymetazoline.

Oxymetazoline is classified as a alpha-1 Adregenic Receptor Agonist, whereas COL-118/Sansrosa is a alpha-2 Adregenic Receptor Agonist. According to this DT article oxymetazoline is “also partially selective for the alpha 2a receptor.”

The paper’s authors are both corporate officers of Aspect Pharmaceuticals, who are now planning more formal studies to evaluate rosacea friendly formulations of oxymetazoline and other alpha-1 adrenergic agonists to treat the redness and flushing of rosacea.

From: Taking the red out of rosacea: Topical alpha-1-adrenergic receptor agonist shows promise

Limited experience in a small number of patients indicates that the erythema and flushing associated with rosacea may be safely and successfully treated with topical application of a selective alpha 1-adrenergic receptor agonist, such as oxymetazoline, researchers say.

…

"The results achieved with topical oxymetazoline are exciting, but very early, and they need to be confirmed through more rigorous studies," Dr. Shanler tells Dermatology Times.

Patient responses to topical oxymetazoline were based on direct clinical assessment and review of high-resolution digital photographs taken pretreatment at one, two to three and 24 hours post application, and then again after longer-term treatment. The evaluations showed topical oxymetazoline had a rapid effect in reducing erythema.

With continued treatment, which extended up to two years in one patient, the responses remained durable, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis, rebound or adverse events.

"Loss of efficacy due to receptor desensitization and rebound vasodilation is a problem associated with use of intranasal oxymetazoline and other imidazoline- and amine-class nasal decongestants.

"There is some laboratory evidence that the potential for receptor desensitization varies depending on the agonist’s selectivity for different alpha-adrenoreceptor subtypes and its duration of action. This may be a consideration in the development of a dermatologic medication that will provide optimal efficacy with minimal risks," Dr. Shanler says.

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This paper looks to be suggesting that the silymarin/msm containing topical, rosacure/synchrorose was well tolerated and helps with the redness of rosacea. Silibinin (INN) (silybin, Legalon®) is the major active constituent of silymarin, the mixture of flavonolignans extracted from plant Milk thistle. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone) is an organic sulfur compound belonging to a class of chemicals known as sulfones.

Rosacure has received only gentle reviews from rosacea sufferers, but as this study was double blind, there may indeed be some small benefits seen as detailed in this study.

Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation, J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Mar;7(1):8-14., Berardesca E, Cameli N, Cavallotti C, Levy JL, Piérard GE, de Paoli Ambrosi G. ,San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate a topical treatment based on silymarin/methylsulfonilmethane (S-MSM) to improve erythematous-telangiectactic rosacea.

Methods: Forty-six patients affected by stage I-III rosacea entered this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were treated for 1 month. Clinical and instrumental evaluations were done at baseline, after 10 and 20 days, and at the end of the study. Itching, stinging, erythema, and papules were investigated clinically as well as hydration and erythema instrumentally with capacitance and color measurements.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in many clinical and instrumental parameters investigated (P < 0.001). In particular, improvement of skin redness, papules, itching, hydration, and skin color occurred.

Conclusions: The combination of silymarin and S-MSM can be useful in managing symptoms and condition of rosacea skin, especially in the rosacea subtype 1 erythemato-telangiectatic phase. The action can be considered multicentric and multiphase because of the direct modulating action on cytokines and angiokines normally involved and up-regulated in the case of such skin condition.

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This poster abstract is an update to the paper that was published in Archives of Dermatology in 2007 and was covered by Rosacea News as Sansrosa’s sister to enter redness race. This now expanded abstract suggests that oxymetazoline is effective for up to 6 hours after application and no side effects have been seen after 3 months usage. Oxymetazoline is a related compound to that which forms the basis for the sansrosa product. As I previously noted, this is good news for rosacea sufferers as it means there may well be a choice between 2 topicals that can help address the redness and flushing of rosacea.

Poster Abstracts, American Academy of Dermatology 66th Annual Meeting, February 1–5, 2008, San Antonio, Texas. Supplement to the JAAD, Feb 2008, Volume 58, Number 2.

Poster Abstract P400, Successful treatment of the erythema and flushing of rosacea using a topically applied selective α1 adrenergic receptor agonist, oxymetazoline, Stuart Shanler, MD, Las Cruces Dermatology, Las Cruces, NM, United States, Andrew Ondo, MD, Las Cruces Dermatology, Las Cruces, NM, United States.

Background: Rosacea is a common chronic cutaneous disorder affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. Type I, or Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), is the subtype of rosacea characterized by frequent episodes of transient facial
erythema (flushing) and/or persistent erythema, and may be accompanied by facial edema, burning, or stinging. ETR in general responds poorly to treatment and there are no effective topical therapies directed towards the erythema and telangiectasias.
While rosacea remains a disorder of uncertain etiology and pathogenesis, the abnormal flushing and persistent erythema have usually been theorized to arise from a progressive dysregulation of the cutaneous vasomotor response resulting in an abnormal and persistent dilation of facial blood vessels. The mechanism of such ‘‘dysregulation’’ has never been elucidated. The regulation of the cutaneous circulation is extremely complex and activation of adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors) present on vascular smooth muscle may result in vasoactive changes that are difficult to predict. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that the contraction of peripheral vascular smooth muscle is primarily mediated by α1A and α1D adrenoceptor subtypes, and certain experimental models indicate several α2 receptors may play a role as well.

Objective: An attempt to treat ETR using topically applied oxymetazoline, an overthe-counter drug known to be a potent selective α1A and partially selective α2A adrenoceptor agonist—a potent vasoconstrictor—was undertaken.

Methods: A commercially available preparation ofoxymetazoline 0.05% solution was applied once daily to the faces of 4 patients with ETR. Clinical evaluation and high resolution digital photographs were performed pre treatment, 1, 3, and 24 hours after a single application and 1 and 3 months after initiating once daily application.

Results: All 4 patients showed clinical improvement in the erythema, marked decrease in the erythematous flares (flushing), relief from the stinging/burning, and no adverse effects. The effect was noted within 1 hour of drug application, lasted more than 6 hours, and was maintained at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion: We propose that the erythema and flushing of ETR may be caused by an abnormal expression, function, distribution, or responsiveness of a adrenoceptors, likely of an α1 subtype, and that ETR may be successfully treated by the topical application of agonists selective for these receptors, such as oxymetazoline.

Commercial support: None identified.

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DISCUSS: add a comment below or discuss this news item in the Non Prescription Topicals forum.

Collagenex believe that their anti erythema product used for  2-4 months of treatment at $150 a month leads to a $330-660 million market. $150 a month for COL-118 treatment sounds like a lot. One wonders how much the suggested $150 a month will translate to at the pharmacy counter.

So this presentation means we can expect COL-188 prescriptions to be expensive. It seems unlikely to me that sufferers will be able to cease treatment after just a couple of months. We need to see more published information about whether any lasting benefit is seen after 4 months usage.

It takes a reasonable sized pharmaceutical company to get rosacea treatments tested and approved – and naturally the company’s shareholders will want a return on their investment.

One final thought. I wonder what Collagenex are going to call COL-118 when they are ready to bring it to the market ? Sansrosa seems like such a cute name, it will be hard to pass up. Having said that though, it doesn’t sound like a typical prescription product name, so perhaps something more befitting of $150+ a month is required.

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How about you. Do you like what you see on the sample before and after photographs for Sansrosa ? Would you be willing to pay $150 a month (or more) ?

PubMed pushed out an interesting abstract in the last couple of days. A bit of digging reveals what looks to be a running mate for COL-118/Sansrosa. COL-118 and Oxymetazoline appear to be promoted by separate groups of researchers.

This is good news for rosacea sufferers as it means there may well be a choice between 2 topicals that can help address the redness and flushing of rosacea.

With the publishing of this new paper, Successful Treatment of the Erythema and Flushing of Rosacea Using a Topically Applied Selective {alpha}1-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist, Oxymetazoline, a new, but similar to COL-118/Sansrosa topical, has become more public.

Oxymetazoline is classified as a alpha-1 Adregenic Receptor Agonist, whereas COL-118/Sansrosa is a alpha-2 Adregenic Receptor Agonist.

Whilst COL-118 is further along the development path towards general availability, this paper raises the hope that oxymetazoline may also become available `on-label’ for rosacea treatment.

It is worthwhile listing some similarities and differences between these 2 redness reducing relatives.

The Sansrosa patent also has references to oxymetazoline, so there appears to be some overlap in at least some of their invention claims.

I would urge rosacea sufferers to use caution when using OTC or prescription drugs off label. It is a far safer option to wait for the FDA to approve any possible new topical redness treatments. Please be very wary until these drugs have been proven safe and effective in treating the redness and flushing of rosacea.

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Rosacure has been around for a while and is easily available, but it seems that only a few rosacea-support members rave about it. The products genesis and marketing are  good, so lets look at some of the available background information and product reviews.

The marketing for rosacure says :

“Its two key ingredients are methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a sulfur compound that is used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and silymarin (Lady’s Thistle Extract), a bioflavonoid. The combination of MSM and silymarin exerts a synergistic effect in reducing the appearance of facial redness.”

So lets look for more information on MSM and silymarin.

Wikipediea: Silymarin

Silibinin (INN) (silybin, Legalon®) is the major active constituent of silymarin, the mixture of flavonolignans extracted from plant Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). It is used in treatment and prevention of liver diseases because of its hepatoprotective (antihepatotoxic) properties. Clinical tests showed also its ability to protect against certain types of cancer (skin and prostate), probably due to its antioxidant properties.

Wikipedia: Methylsulfonylmethane

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone) is an organic sulfur compound belonging to a class of chemicals known as sulfones. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages.

…

MSM is sold as a dietary supplement that is marketed with a variety of claims and is commonly used (often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin) for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis. Retail sales of MSM as a single ingredient in dietary supplements amounted to $115 million in 2003. However, clinical research on the medical use of the chemical in people is limited to a few pilot studies that have suggested beneficial effects.

Here is one unpublished (as far as I know) paper from Canderm with some background information.

Open Evaluation of Silymarin Cream in the Management of Facial Redness Associated with Rosacea

Managing facial redness (erythema) is an important cosmetic goal in rosacea treatment. A cream combining silymarin, tacopheryl acetate, acetyl glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid in a hydrating oleosome base was formulated to provide control of cutaneous erythema and to improve homeostasis of cutaneous microcirculation. We conducted an open, prospective evaluation of results of applying this cream twice daily to reduce facial redness in both new and existing patients with rosacea. After 6 and 12 weeks, the mean redness score for all facial areas (cheek, chin, forehead, nose) was reduced (P>.001) in 29 of 32 enrolled patients, and the mean redness score was lower (P< .001) after 12 weeks than after 6 weeks. Concurrent use of topical metronidazole was well tolerated and did not alter the efficacy of the cream. One (3.5%) of the 29 patients discontinued therapy because of burning, stinging, and increased redness. Silymarin cream was safe and effective in reducing facial redness associated with rosacea.

Some comments from members of rosacea-support ;

rose jill says “I used rosacure for a very long time, a long time ago no results, at least it did not aggrivate my skin.”

Aimee says “I have used Rosacure for a number of years now.” and “I have been using Rosacure for many years now.  It is a very good moisturizer for me and may help to reduce flushing, but I cant say for sure on that.  It has not been a miracle for me, but as I have said before on this board that I always try new products that come out and when they don’t work because they are too harsh or too perfumey or any of the other million of things that go wrong with new products, I always go back to Rosacure.”

Marcella says “I have used it for at least 5 years. Never has burned me….. easily tolerated and a great moisturizer.  I highly recommend it.”

Bihbi Cat says “Rosacure was the first topical I bought even before my derm diagnoses of rosacea, as a GP said they thought that might be what I had and I spotted a nice, convincing ad in a mag for Rosacure. It does moisturise but from memory it’s a bit greasy and I think it caused a bit of flushing for me — certainly didn’t do anything to curb the flushing, though I did hear someone here say you supposedly have to use it for some weeks to see results — they were still waiting for the results to kick in.”

flamepoint says “I have been using Rosacure since last September. It’s my favorite product. It’s great in the winter if you have dry skin and I just go easy on it in the summer so it’s not too heavy. Shoppers Drug Mart carries it out here for about $35.00. Don’t need a prescription. Just ask for it at the pharmacy.”

Erika says “I’ve found that Rosacure didn’t do anything for me, good or bad. I found it too oily which for me results in redness.  I can see where it would be a helpful moisturizer in winter though”

Rosacure is available in the United States, Canada and Australia/New Zealand without a prescription.

How about you ? Would you recommend rosacea sufferers keep this on-hand ? Is it the case that a reasonable product like Rosacure has been here under our noses all this time ? Leave a comment below and let us know how you got on with Rosacure.

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Many rosacea sufferers are looking for help to reduce the redness of their face. This is one of the first rosacea symptoms that people might notice. It is also one of the symptoms of rosacea that is sadly hardest to treat. What treatments have fellow rosacea sufferers used to hide the ruddiness and angry face that sometimes accompanies rosacea ? Read on where I’ll go through what I see as your current best options.

Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom with your top tips too.

eucerin redness relief

Eucerin Redness Relief is a new range of products from Beiersdorf that contains an extract from Licorice called Licochalcone. The reviews from members of the Rosacea Support Group are generally pretty good. There is also some published evidence that it might help with reducing the appearance of a red face.

acne cover lotion

This particular product is really an acne product, but my personal experience is really positive. It contains sulphur and has a strong ability to cover lesions. I’d see this product as best suited to outbreaks of papules and pustules and possibly also for general larger areas of redness. For more information see Linda Sy’s Acne Cover Lotion. This product might not be suitable for the more sensitive skin types.

tinted sunscreens

It seems to me that tinted sunscreens are still underrated as a rosacea treatment. My favourite, that I continue to use every day is Linda Sy’s Tinted ZincO Cream. As well as offering protection from the sun and elements it can cover redness quite well. More reading here: Rosacea & Sunscreen articles.

short course steroid creams

In short stints, low dose steroids can help calm a red rosacea flareup. This should be viewed as a last resort, though.

However, I believe that when circumstance requires it, a short-term course of low potency non-fluorinated topical cortisone, on the face of non-rosacean, is not out of the question. There are times when it is important to control an acute condition as soon as possible, to prevent progression or complication and to give relief to the patient. Once this is achieved, a responsible physician will: 1) attempt to find the cause of the condition and treat it accordingly and 2) convey the message that cortisone cream should be discontinued and not be used long-term due to its many side effects such as peri-oral dermatitis, steroid addiction, steroid induced rosacea, skin atrophy etc.

As for rosacean skin, it is definitely a good idea to use all other
alternative topicals or oral medications available, rather than use
cortisone. This is, as you know, due to the highly excitable reactive skin and vasomotor instability of rosaceans.

Dr. Linda Sy, RSG Message 22628

You’ll get different answers from different doctors AND group members! My own experience with patients has been that if you use a low potency non-fluorinated topical steroid, short term to alleviate symptoms, it is ok.

Dr. Linda Sy, RSG Message 14960

Steroids should be used with care as over the counter steroids can cause steroid induced rosacea.

If you think you are suffering from steroid induced rosacea you might find this post from Dr. Linda Sy MD helpful: treating steroid induced rosacea.

IPL

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light is perhaps the best known treatment for a red face. Recently there have been a couple of studies published that were able to prove that IPL is effective in reducing rosacea associated erythema (redness). A couple of great papers are Measuring Erythema (red face) after IPL and IPL is excellent for rosacea (and inded a 2007 followup also IPL excellent for treating red face and broken blood vessels).

I’ve collected a set of 16 items (at the time of writing this article) that are a great place to start if you are interested in IPL. See the IPL Articles category.

KTP Laser

There is some good published articles suggesting that the KTP Laser (KTP stands for Potassium Titanyl Phosphate) is also a good choice for a facial redness. This laser is not talked about much in the online rosacea groups, but the published articles look promising. Have you had experience with this laser ? Please leave a comment below.

• ktp laser good for red face and facial vessels
• treating rosacea with the KTP Laser
• KTP Laser and facial telangiectasias

eredicane

How about if your redness is related to flushing ?

Eredicane is an OTC non-FDA approved treatment containing Magnesium, Passion Flower, Valerian, Vit B6, Glycine, Glutamine, Primula Officinalis and Taurine. According to their web site, eredicane works thusly ;

Fight Blushing With the Body’s Own Building Blocks

Eredicane’s main ingredient, GABA, is one of the nine essential amino acids found in the brain. GABA inhibits neurons in the cells from firing, thus diminishing the excitatory messages reaching the frontal cortex of the brain.

In essence, GABA lowers the excitatory level of the cell that is about to receive the incoming information, therefore helping to prevent the onset of the sensation that causes blushing.

But does it work ? A long thread over at ESFB, `Has anyone tried “Eredicane??”‘ is inconclusive, showing mixed results.

cutanix drl

Unfortunately Cutanix is not currently available. Some members of rosacea-support have found DRL to help their facial redness. It is believed that the FDA has objected to the claims made by the packaging. No information is yet available on if or when DRL will return to the market. I love this product so personally I’m looking forward to it becoming available again. As some background you might like to read the Cutanix Articles on Rosacea News.

sansrosa

This option is speculative, but is worth mentioning here in this list. Galderma is in one of the final stages of developing a product that is showing promise as a treatment for the flushing redness of rosacea. The product is informally known as Sansrosa and is also called COL-118 by Galderma. The information currently available suggests that this topical can be used safely for long periods and can reduce the appearance of a red flushed face. I have covered this product extensively, so feel free to look through the sanrosa articles. There is no guarantee that Sansrosa will be approved for general use, but if and when it does get approved, it will offer a treatment option that is not currently available from any other topical.

When it isn’t Rosacea

Finally, before launching into some treatment for rosacea, it might also be worth exploring the possibility that your red face isn’t actually rosacea. One good place to explore this further is red face: when flushing isn?t rosacea.

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How have you tackled your red face ? Leave a comment a below and let everyone know your top tips.