Guidelines on how to manage rosacea

Abstract

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 185, Issue 4 p. e162-e162 Plain Language Summary Guidelines on how to manage rosacea First published: 04 October 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20672AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Hampton et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:725–735. Rosacea is a common skin condition that mostly affects the central face (nose, forehead, cheeks and chin). Although rosacea mainly affects young to middle-aged adults, it can occur at any time of life. How individuals are affected can vary; patients may experience any combination of symptoms including flushing, changes to skin colour, prominent surface blood vessels, soreness, dryness, inflamed skin bumps (which may contain pus), sore eyes or facial swellings known as ‘phymas’. As a skin condition that is highly visible it has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Although the causes of rosacea remain in question, many treatments that reduce symptoms have been described. The British Association of Dermatologists put together a group of dermatologists, an ophthalmologist, patient representatives and a technical team from the UK, to review published evidence (up to February 2020) on treating rosacea. Following strict criteria, the group has developed an up-to-date, evidence-based guideline that provides 23 recommendations for managing rosacea. Establishing which signs and symptoms are affecting the patient is the first step to guiding treatment choice, and this also depends on the severity of the symptoms. Patients may benefit from avoiding known triggers (e.g. alcohol, sun exposure, hot drinks or spicy foods), using moisturizers (including soap substitutes) and applying sun protection. After that, topical therapies would be considered the first treatment option (e.g. lotions, gels, creams), followed by oral therapies (i.e. tablets). Within each of these categories, various options exist and can be decided upon following consultation. Therapies directed at the symptoms of rosacea involving the eyes may also be needed, and procedural therapies are also helpful, such as laser for excess facial blood vessels and surgery for phymas. In conclusion, these guidelines provide an up-to-date and patient-centred approach to the clinical management of rosacea. Volume185, Issue4October 2021Pages e162-e162 RelatedInformation