So please feel free to start your own Rosacea Community Blog.

Why would I want one of those ?

Your own blog will allow you post your thoughts, ideas, rants etc. in a part of the community site that you can call your own. Each post will be stored and given its own unique web address, stored underneath your Rosacea Support Community Username.

Getting Started

To get started, just login and look for the link titled “My Blog” near the top right hand side.

Writing a blog post feels very much like writing a forum posting. Just select “Post a Blog Entry’ and you are underway. Type a good descriptive Subject, your post text and hit Submit.

Once you have posted a blog entry, other users will be able to comment on your post.

Other Blogs

You can see what others are saying on their blog my taking the link to Blogs, also on the top right hand side.

You will also notice a new link above the forum index called “View blog posts” that will show you who has posted an entry recently.

Once a user has posted some blog entries, you’ll see a link below their profile.

What is allowed ?

Basically anything that is and isn’t allowed on the community forum, will also be allowed or frowned upon on the Community Blogs. Any post that seeks to build friendships and uplift rosacea sufferers will be fine.

How do I register ?

Not a member of the Rosacea Support Community ? No problem, just Register here.

Already registered ? Great, what are you waiting for ? Start your Rosacea Community Blog now.

Elidel no better than Metrogel for lumps and bumps of rosacea.

A comparison of metronidazole 1% cream and pimecrolimus 1% cream in the treatment of patients with papulopustular rosacea: a randomized open-label clinical trial. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Jul 6

Patients were randomly assigned treatment with either pimecrolimus 1% cream or metronidazole 1% cream for 12 weeks. Pimecrolimus cream is no more efficacious than metronidazole cream in the treatment of PR.

Another bacterial link found ?

Is rosacea another disorder of gut microbes? Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2009 Aug;11(4):253-4

This paper sounds like it might be heading in the direction to add to some research that looks at small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as a source of rosacea symptoms. Alas all we can see at the moment is the title. Also note that the author has published several other papers that at least in their title link intestinal disorders with diseases such as fibromyalgia as obesity.

Facial blood vessels correlate to Ocular Rosacea Symptoms

This paper, who’s full text is available via the link, suggests that the presence of facial visible blood (telangiectasia) is more of a clue that ocular rosacea may also be present, compared to other facial symptoms like papules and pustules.

Correlation of the severity of cutaneous rosacea with ocular rosacea,  Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2009;75:405-6.

In our series, ocular involvement did not correlate with the severity of papular, pustular, nodular lesions and flushing but, surprisingly, we found a significant relationship between the severity of telangiectasia and ocular involvement. This finding was not in agreement with the previous studies claiming that the ophthalmologic complications of rosacea are completely independent of the severity of facial rosacea. On the other hand, it seems that the significant relationship between the severity of telangiectasia and eye lesions in our study might be an incidental experience. We agree with the general assumption that skin and eye lesions in rosacea are separate al together.

IAP the link from intestine to Rosacea Skin ?

This paper is proposing that the activity of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) could be the link between an inflammatory response to intestinal bacteria and rosacea skin symptoms.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase: The molecular link between rosacea and gastrointestinal disease?, Med Hypotheses. 2009 Jun 30 (UMR 168 CNRS/Institut Curie, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France Rosacea Research and Development Institute, Pahala HI 96777, USA)

Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the facial skin of unknown etiology, which frequently occurs in combination with gastrointestinal disorders. Many dietary and hormonal factors are known to affect the severity of rosacea symptoms, several of which also modulate the activity of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). The role of IAP in inhibiting an inflammatory response to intestinal bacteria suggests a mechanism by which intestinal pathologies may be linked to the skin inflammation characteristic of rosacea. Analysis of alkaline phosphatase activity is routinely performed on blood samples, and methods to quantify enzyme activity of the intestinal isoform specifically have been described. Correlations between IAP activity and rosacea symptoms in patients and controls can thus be screened by noninvasive and inexpensive means. If IAP activity is found to be low in rosacea patients, acute symptoms could be treated with oral IAP supplementation, and trials of IAP-activating medications currently used in gastrointestinal disease could be initiated in rosacea patients. More importantly, the safe and long-term control of rosacea could be undertaken by patients themselves through dietary modification to naturally increase IAP activity.

Related Articles

• SIBO eradication clears rosacea: are you serious ?
• SIBO diet/treatment
• treating ocular rosacea (from the AAO)
• elidel vs. protopic, does it work for rosacea bumps ?

It is good to see more published research backing topical cyclosporine (Restasis, Allergan) as a treatment for ocular rosacea. Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) has been shown to increase tear production and improve the quality of naturally produced tears and is the first approved therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic dry eye.

Official Use of Restasis

The FDA has approved Restasis as a treatment to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with chronic dry eye. Note that increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs. Restasis is not appropriate for immediate relief for an uncomfortable irritated eye as it may take up to 6 months for maximum improvement. (source The Eye Digest)

Other Evidence

An article from 2006 in Ophthalmology Management Topical cyclosporine proves to be effective in treating rosacea whetted our appetite for this interesting new treatment.

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of cyclosporine are highly appropriate for the treatment of ocular rosacea, as the condition has been shown to have an inflammatory etiology. Barton and associates conducted a study comparing tear fluid concentrations of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in ocular rosacea with those in control subjects. Tear turnover was lower in patients with rosacea than in controls, and Schirmer scores were also statistically lower in patients with rosacea than in controls.

After 6 months of use, topical cyclosporine was shown to decrease inflammatory cytokines in the conjunctival epithelium of dry eye patients with increased tear production.

…

Given the excellent side effect profile of topical cyclosporine and its lack of systemic absorption, ophthalmologists should consider utilizing topical cyclosporine in the treatment of patients with ocular rosacea.

Expert Opinion

The Rosacea Support Group asked Dr. Eric Jones, MD, the Medical Director of Devers Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon a related question about Restasis and ocular rosacea.

Q: Do you agree with the view that Restasis won’t help ocular rosacea or dry eye triggered by Accutane?

A: The drug rep was in for Restasis the other day and I asked her about it. We looked it up here and didn’t find any studies that checked on Restasis and ocular rosacea together. It’s a great question because, you know people with ocular rosacea have decreased tear production and, if Restasis can help that, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

Recent Abstract

Below is the abstract from the recently published paper, from the same author as the above article, but now appearing in a peer reviewed journal. The above link to Ophthalmology Management leads to a full article, which can be consulted for more details if you don’t have access to the full text of the journal article.

Efficacy of topical cyclosporine for the treatment of ocular rosacea, Adv Ther. 2009 Jun 23, Schechter BA, Katz RS, Friedman LS, Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% with an artificial tear solution for the treatment of rosacea-associated eyelid and corneal pathology.

METHODS: Double-masked, randomized, 3-month clinical trial of 37 patients with rosacea-associated eyelid and corneal changes (defined as lid margin telangiectasia, meibomian gland inspissation, and/or fullness of the lid margin). All findings were standardized and compared to photographs for grading.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in Schirmer (with anesthesia) scores of 2.7+/-2.2 mm after 3 months of treatment in the topical cyclosporine group (P<0.001), compared with a mean decrease of -1.4+/-4.6 mm (P=0.271) in the artificial tears group. The mean tear break-up time score significantly improved in the topical cyclosporine group (mean increase of 3.56+/-1.5 seconds, P<0.001), but worsened in the control group, although this change was not significantly significant (mean decrease of -0.04+/-1.6 seconds, P=0.929). The topical cyclosporine group exhibited a significantly greater mean reduction in corneal staining scores (-1.3+/-0.53) compared with the control group (-0.2+/-0.83; between groups P<0.001). The topical cyclosporine group had a greater improvement in Ocular Surface Disease Index scores than those using artificial tears (P=0.022). Limitations of the study included an older, predominantly Caucasian patient population and short trial length.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical cyclosporine 0.05% is more effective than artificial tears for the treatment of rosacea-associated lid and corneal changes.

Related Articles

• Official web site: Restasis
• cyclosporine (restasis) shows promise for ocular rosacea
• Ocular Rosacea: Dr. Eric Jones, MD
• trial: treating ocular rosacea with Cyclosporine (Restasis)

“Earlier this year, we announced that four important and popular rosacea products that had been unavailable for many months would thereafter, by special arrangement with the originator, be manufactured and distributed by the Rosacea Care Company. We are pleased to tell you that the first of these, the much-loved Vita-Oil, will be released and ready to ship this coming Thursday, June 25. On-line purchases can be made in advance of that date by visiting our website: rosaceacare.com.

We would remind you that this is exactly the same Vita-Oil that has helped so many rosaceans over the years. The formula is identical, and it is being manufactured by the same laboratory. As with previous packaging, an eye dropper and instruction sheet will be enclosed with every order. The price is $28 US.

We would also take this opportunity to announce that original Tinted ZincO will be available sometime in July. The exact release date will soon be posted on our website and on this Support Group page. We thank everyone for their patience and their enthusiasm for these products.”

disclosure: RosaceaCare is a site sponsor of rosacea-support.org

Related Articles

• ZincO, Vita-Oil and Oatmeal Cleanser available again soon
• lindasy.com is closing down
• jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties
• Vita Oil vs. Jojoba Oil

Calcium dobesilate (2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonate) is a vasoactive drug with presumed effects on endothelial integrity, capillary permeability and blood viscosity. It is often recommended for venous disorders, and also prescribed for diabetic retinopathy and other microvascular disorders.

rosacea and doxium (calcium dobesilate)

Just wanted to let others know that Dr. Cuevas accepted me as a participant in his clinical trial of the 2.5% Calcium dobesiliate cream. I had to arrange and pay for international shipping and managed to get the product into Canada (the product was described as a skin cream for customs purposes).

I have been using the skin cream for 2 weeks in the morning and evening. Redness has visibly decreased. My skin feels smooth and soft where there were small bumps previously. Spontaneous breakouts have also stopped. The study above was conducted over 4 weeks.

Anyone interested in participating in the clinical trial can submit photographs to Dr. Pedro Cuevas at:

pedro.cuevas@hrc.es

Dr. Pedro Cuevas
Servicio de Histología
Departamento de Investigación
Hospital Ramón y Cajal
Ctra. de Colmenar, km. 9.100
28034-Madrid-Spain

Tel. (0034) 913368290

Obviously rosacea sufferers have to be quite keen to pay for their own shipping, but it is only through research and trial and error that we will learn. Please do let us know if you too decide to try the calcium dobesilate cream.

Have a read of Laser & IPL: Dr. Peter Crouch, MB.BS, Dr Steve Johnson, MD, Dr. Nicholas Soldo, MD to find out more about the following questions;

• ACCUTANE WITH RED LIGHT THERAPY OR LLLT
• BEARDS
• BLUE & RED LIGHT THERAPY
• DIFFICULT DIAGNOSIS: POSSIBILITY OF DISCOID LUPUS
• DIFFICULT DIAGNOSIS: RED HANDS AND ARMS FROM MEDICATION
• FACIAL STINGING & V-BEAM
• IPL SETTINGS
• OCULAR ROSACEA
• TEENAGERS WITH ROSACEA
• THICKENING SKIN ON SIDE OF NOSE TIP
• WHICH IS THE BEST LASER FOR RED SKIN AND MANY BROKEN VEINS?

[update] the above links are now fixed.

Related Articles

• Ocular Rosacea: Dr. Eric Jones, MD
• Ocular Rosacea: Dr. Mark J. Mannis, MD
• Rosacea and the Sympathetic Nervous System: Dr. Peter D. Drummond, PhD
• Combining Light-Based Treatments and Topicals for Rosacea: Dr. David J. Goldberg, MD

This online provider has asked me which products I think would be of most value to rosacea sufferers. I gave my personal opinion and also offered to poll rosacea sufferers.

So here we go. Feel free to vote for the products that you miss the most and are considering ordering again.

There are no promises that the results will be followed, but hopefully the results might give some direction to what happens next.

Please note that if the poll is abused I will edit out suspicious looking results.

So go for it and have your say !

 Note: the poll is now closed.

Related Articles

• lindasy.com is closing down
• choosing a moisturizer
• Linda Sy Mild Oatmeal Facial Cleanser
• Rosacea • sunscreens: news, research and articles
• micronized zinc oxide dimethicone a safe sunscreen

Time for some end of year statistics – for those who like that sort of thing.

Before we kick off just a note. The most important thing is that thousands of people have found useful information about rosacea. May this continue to be the case into 2009.

Unique Visitors to rosacea-support.org: 489,098

Page Views on rosacea-support.org: 1,682,675

Blog Posts and Pages: 375

Comments left on Blog: 1012

Top 5 Blog Pages:

1. Photos of Red Nose, Papules, Pustules, acne like rosacea
2. how to cure a red face (facial erythema or redness)
3. demodex mites treatment
4. Eucerin Redness Relief: product reviews
5. Clinique Redness Solutions: user reviews

Most Commented Posts:

1. lindasy.com is closing down  (62)
2. how to cure a red face (facial erythema or redness)    (52)
3. Periostat (doxycycline) goes generic, get ready for Oracea   (49)
4. focus on metronidazole (metrogel)    (47)
5. Australia (46)

Rosacea Support Resource Pages

Unique Visitors to Rosacea Support Resource Pages: 41,921

Page Views on Rosacea Support Resource Pages: 95,585

Rosacea Support Email Group

Emails posted to rosacea-support@yahoogroups.com: 3842

Rosacea Support Community Forum

Messages posted to Rosacea Support Community: 5,015

I wish everyone a great 2009. May this year be one that you look back on with fondness and with satisfaction at moving forward in your life.

warmest regards,

David Pascoe.

Their web site promotes this product as a cooling  mask that “contains many of the ingredients that have proven so successful in our other products: Willowherb Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Allantoin and Titanium Dioxide.”

Being a bloke I can’t say that I’ve spent too much time considering using a facial mask in the evenings, but maybe it is something you are looking for. I’ll give it a try and let you know what I think.

The samples are small jars, I have enough samples to send two small jars to 6 people. So if you are in Australia and would like to try this, drop me an email (see the About page) and we we’ll work out how you can get some postage ($4.20) to me.

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

One study from Pakistan concluded that cinnamon taken at 1, 3, or 6 gm daily significantly decreased the triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels after 40 days.  However, a recent study performed in the US could not confirm these observations.

Cinnamon is known to cause allergic or contact dermatitis and is known to have a vasodilatory effect. This case report is said to be the first report of cinnamon affecting rosacea. The patient had continued hypersensitivity to cinnamon even in miniscule amounts.

This paper may serve as a useful warning especially for those interested in various forms of homeopathic therapies or who are exposed to cinnamon oil in products such as toothpaste or cinnamon containing foods.

Severe exacerbation of rosacea induced by cinnamon supplements., J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Jun;7(6):586-7, Campbell TM, Neems R, Moore J.

The authors report a case of a 68-year-old Caucasian female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who experienced an acute exacerbation of her rosacea 2 weeks after self-initiating cinnamon oil pills to lower her blood sugar levels. Historically, cinnamon oil has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, but recently the use of cinnamon oil in lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes is being investigated and gaining popularity amongst the general population. The use of cinnamon has commonly produced cutaneous side effects of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and been reported to have vasodilatory effects. Yet, there are no reports of cinnamon use triggering a rosacea exacerbation in the literature.

Interestingly the NRS suggests that cinnamon may be a suitable ingredient for a low irritant salsa ;

New Survey Pinpoints Spicy Foods That May Often Trigger Rosacea

Red pepper or chilli powder, for example, can be substituted with two parts cumin and one part oregano. Traditional salsa can be replaced with a fruit version made from 2 large ripe peaches cut into small cubes, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp chopped fresh mint and 1 cup fresh raspberries all gently mixed together.

Related Articles

• Even though cinnamon may be out for some, it is still possible to treat rosacea with herbs.