People with rosacea can expect more personalized, tailored treatment addressing their individual symptoms and features following recently published global guidelines.
For decades, rosacea was classified into 4 sub-types and treatment options related to those sub-types. In reality, people often developed 2 or 3 different sub-types and a combination of treatments was needed.
In 2017, rosacea was reclassified based on phenotype – observable, individual characteristics likely resulting from genetic or environmental influences.
“This changed the way rosacea is diagnosed,” says Dr. Jerry Tan, a Canadian member of the global, National Rosacea Society Expert Committee involved in creating the new classifications.
“To reflect this focus on individual characteristics, the committee has since published updated guidelines on managing rosacea, presenting physicians with a large menu of therapy options so they can choose what is best for each patient. Doctors can now assess and treat rosacea as it appears in each individual,” he added.
*The new evidence-based guidelines also include newer rosacea treatments and those that may be used in combination as is often necessary to effectively treat rosacea.
“Although rosacea cannot be cured, its features may be reduced or controlled with a variety of topical and oral therapies and light devices,” says Dr. Tan.
When creating a treatment plan, the new guidelines also noted that a patient’s perception of their facial appearance – as well as the impact on their personal, work and social life – is an important factor in determining the level of therapy needed.
Patients also have a role to play. Managing lifestyle triggers, such as alcohol, stress, and sun exposure, and gentle skin care are also a vital part of keeping rosacea under control, the guidelines point out.
April is Rosacea Awareness Month, an opportunity to educate and improve understanding of this common skin condition affecting 3 million Canadians. Click here for more information about rosacea, the signs of rosacea, triggers and treatments.
*Standard management options for rosacea: The 2019 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee
Diane Thiboutot, MD, Rox Anderson, MD, Fran Cook-Bolden, MD, Marian Macsai, MD, Linda Stein Gold, MD, Jerry Tan, MD
Published:February 06, 2020DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.01.077
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