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Why has no one found something even remotely close to a cure for rosacea ? Why do researchers admit that they can barely even describe the disease ?
Well a clue emerges from a recent series of in depth, state of the art papers from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings.
In the introductory item titled “Pathophysiology of Rosacea: Introduction”, Dr. Martin Steinhoff tells us that
The pathophysiology of rosacea appears to be complex, as virtually all cutaneous cells, including immune cells, appear to have roles.
Ultimately, rosacea is a good ‘‘model’’ through which investigators can learn more about the complexities of neuroimmune communication, inflammation, and immunity, as well as about chronic inflammation and the development of fibrosis. [emphasis mine].
J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2011 Dec;15(1)
So there is a lot going on in rosacea. Cutaneous cells include: keratinocytes, melanocytes, leucocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelials.
Add in the complexities of hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve fibres, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic and blood vessels and you have enough to fill several text books before you even start understanding it all.
Dr. Steinhoff is known to rosacea sufferers because of his work on Neurogenic Rosacea for which he holds a related patent, and has undertaken NRS and Galderma funded rosacea related research.
Stay Tuned For More
The series of papers that form the JID’s expose on the state of the art in rosacea research are long and complex. More summaries to follow.
Too hard basket?
So shall we therefore put a rosacea cure in the too hard basket? Certainly not! There is a great body of ongoing research into the origins, development, and symptom suppression of rosacea. It is by no means clear where the cure will emerge from, but research continues to make progress small step by step.
Thanks for pointing out the article Dave.
I am so proud, Dr. Steinhoff is my doctor and he has done wonders to help me controle my severe rosacea. I feel very fortunate.
Great to hear Nancy.
Dr. Steinhoff has published some leading edge research on rosacea, you are indeed fortunate to be able to consult with him.
Always looking for the latest treatment (as low price as possible).
Hi Kitty,
I am not a doctor but can only give information based on my own experience with rosacea and the advice from my doctors. Sometimes in an attempt to controle symptoms we pile on one medication upon another from antibiotics to topicals and really through the body’s system off and can make rosacea worse. Be certain to find a gentle skin care routine first of all and don’t use anything on your skin that is irritating. My skin is the best it has ever been and I am off all antibiotics and topical Meds. For me, Dr. Steinhoff suggested I try using an OTC wash called Hibiclens. This is an antiseptic, anti microbial cleansers that doctors use prior to surgery. I put it in a little spray bottle, dilute it with water 1:1 and apply it to my clean skin with a cotton ball/pad. Leave it on a few minutes then rinse off with water. It keeps the inflammation and acne down plus keeps working to kill germs for up to six hours.
Use a very good sunscreen that again, does not irritate sensitive rosacea skin. My doctors suggested Vani-Cream for sensitive skin SPF #60. I order it through my local Rite Aid store. It is the only sunscreen and moisturizer I can use. Just find something that your skin accepts and feels calming on your skin.
I also stopped using liquid makeup and switched to mineral powder. This covers any redness but let’s my skin breath and is not irritating. I have been using the brand Mineral Essence I buy on-line.
Stay in cool environments, don’t eat hot or spicy food, and don’t feel embarrassed to use a fan whenever you need it.
I hope this helps and you find a good dermatologist to guide you.
Nancy
“It’s life long. No cure ”
“Because the pharmaceutical company business model is based upon long term symptom control where you are a customer for life in return for the amelioration of your symptoms, and if you stop taking the medication the symptoms recur. If one injection cured rosacea there would be no profit in that.”
“Mine cleared up when I left my job and I stopped wearing make-up, I also used no products to clean or moisturise my skin, it actually found its own balance. All I use is tap water and nothing else, that and possibly less stress did the trick. Also natural sunlight for short periods of time and no sunscreen either. I am fair skinned, so of course, I take care not to stay in the sun too long. I haven’t used any sunscreen for many years because of the all the chemicals in it.”
“The pharmaceutical companies make too much $$$ selling creams and pills to the public. I’m sure there’s a cure for some cancers but we’re lead to believe there isn’t .”
“Solantra has helped mine nearly disappear”
“I stopped eating almost all dairy and mine is under control. I also use Soolantra on my face daily”
Mine with a low carb diet. I have to say I always use sunprotection because I live in a very hot city but that ‘s it. I learned that sometimes less is more. Blessings.❤ ”
“I was told by dermatologist not to use anything other than tepid water, sometimes it does clear up”
In the 50s, I received x-ray treatments to prevent acne. Radiation settled in thyroid, enlarged the glands, had to have glands removed along with salivary gland on one side of neck. I have suffered from rosacea all my life and blame the radiation treatments. Prosacea sometimes helps. I wear no make up, cleanse face with Ivory soap and tepid water. Am thinking of trying hibiclens to get rid of the dry skin on my face and control redness. Any comments?