Rosacea: New Treatment on the Horizon: Oracea

Millions of people across the United States suffer from Roasacea, a reddening of the skin, primarily around the cheeks. But now there is help. CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for Oracea. The drug is a low dose of Doxycycline, and antibiotic typically known for treating Lyme disaease. The drug is taken once in the morning on an empty stomach.

Some other drugs that are used to treat Rosacea:

Finacea – Finacea is an ointment used to treat mild to moderate rosacea (a skin condition marked by red eruptions, usually on the cheeks and nose). In advanced cases – and usually only in men – the nose becomes red and bulbous. Doctors aren’t sure what causes rosacea, but the condition may be aggravated by stress, infection, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal problems.

Metrogel-MetroGel is a preparation of the drug metronidazole used for the treatment of a skin condition called rosacea (red eruptions, usually on the face). The cream and lotion forms of metronidazole are used for the same problem. All are for external (topical) use only.

A clinical review of Rosacea:(Courtesy of WebMd.)

Ã?·Facial redness/flushing Triggers, such as sun exposure or alcohol, stimulate increased blood flow, which causes blood vessels to expand and facial redness to appear. In women, the redness usually appears on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. The redness may appear in a “butterfly” pattern across the cheeks and nose. Facial redness in men typically appears on the nose, although symptoms can appear on other areas of the face. In some cases, redness may also occur on the neck and upper chest.

�·Pimples on the face. Small pimples may occur on the red areas of skin or on the edges. These pimples-red, round bumps in the skin-are different than acne pimples, which have blackheads or whiteheads.

�·Red lines on the face (telangiectasia). These small, thin, red lines, which are tiny blood vessels that look like spiderwebs, usually appear on the cheeks.

�·Swollen bumps on the nose. In severe cases, mostly in men, the nose appears enlarged, bulbous, and red, a condition called rhinophyma

�·Eye irritation. Symptoms include redness, dryness, burning, crusted mucus, tearing, a gritty sensation like that of sand in the eye, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), and swelling in the eyelid. The eyes may not tolerate contact lenses, and styes may develop. In some cases, vision may be blurry, but only in severe cases is vision damaged. About half of the people who have rosacea may have some eye irritation or symptoms.1