Researchers from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program in Salt Lake City have published recommendations.

Let’s focus on initial treatments for rosacea flares before using lasers and drugs.

To reduce rosacea flares…

• Use emollient, noncomedogenic (anti-acne) moisturizers.
  • Mild, fragrance-free, soap-free cleansers with nonalkaline or neutral pH
• Protect against sun exposure.
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
  • Wide-brimmed hats
• Avoid astringents and other skin care products containing alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, peppermint, witch hazel, or sodium lauryl sulfate (level of evidence.

The bottom line?
The authors tell us that rosacea classification, severity, and response to previous treatments will influence the choice to treatment. However, for managing flares it’s as important to know what to avoid as what to recommend.

11/4/09 22:27 JR