Acne Rosacea, Rosacea, and Ocular Rosacea are chronic dermatological conditions characterized by acute exacerbations of the skin. It usually presents itself in the 4th to 5th decades of life. Typical signs are persistent redness (erythema), spider vessels (telangiectasias), localized red spots (papules), and white heads (pustules) that affect the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead and neck. An enlarged nose is a classic sign, (rhinophyma). Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed.

Ocular involvement (Ocular Rosacea) is the most common form of all Rosaceas. Eye symptoms most commonly reported are dryness, tearing, foreign body sensation, and redness. Symptoms are usually greater than clinical findings. Certain eye and eyelids diseases associated with rosacea include chronic blepharitis (65%), meibomian gland dysfuntion (78%), dry eye syndrome, chalazion, hordeolum, corneal and sclera perforations, episcleritis and iritis.

Triggering Factors: Hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, stress, weather changes and sunlight may worsen rosacea. People with rosacea should avoid these triggers because they could cause flushing and blushing, which may become persistent. Sunscreen, wearing hats and avoiding midday sunlight is the best ways to limit sun exposure. No specific diet has been proven to help those with rosacea; however, it is important for rosacea patients to find out which foods are your triggers. Keeping a diet diary may be helpful.

Treatment: Since this is a chronic, generalized skin condition, a combination of different treatment regimes have shown to be most beneficial. The mainstay of roscacea treatment is hygiene. Most patients will have meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis. Daily warm compress and lid scrubs can drastically reduce outbreaks and reoccurrences. Topical antibiotic with steroids may be required to suppress inflammation. But care should be taken, patients are likely to become steroid addicted because it works so well. Oral medications have been very effective in alleviating patient’s symptoms (3-6 weeks). Also, topical prescription gels, antibiotics or creams for the face have been successful choices. Homepathic remedy, such as Omega-3 supplementation with EPA-enriched flaxseed oil, has been successful too; although, many patients have reported diarrhea with flaxseed oil.