Q&A: Patience, consistency key in rosacea treatment
Key takeaways:
- More than 50% patients only try a rosacea treatment for 2 weeks despite the doctor-recommended 12 weeks.
- Dermatologists must explain the importance of consistency and patience, according to Estee Williams, MD.
This year, Rosacea Awareness Month focuses on the importance of consistency and patience when trying new rosacea therapies, according to the National Rosacea Society.
Rosacea, a condition which has no cure, is characterized by the presence of persistent facial redness and may include papules, pustules, flushing, telangiectasia and certain ocular manifestations.
According to a press release from the National Rosacea Society, despite dermatologists recommending patients try a new therapy for at least 12 weeks before disregarding it, more than 75% of rosacea patients reported giving new treatments 1 month to present results. Further, more than half said they only allow a product 2 weeks or less to show improvement.
These statistics are part of what inspired this year’s Rosacea Awareness Month theme of consistency and patience in trying new treatments.
Healio spoke to Estee Williams, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, about the importance of consistency and patience in rosacea treatment and how dermatologists can best treat patients who struggle with these elements.
Healio: Why are patience and consistency important in rosacea treatment?
As is true for most chronic skin conditions, being patient is critical, as the road to results can take time. Most therapies take at least 3 to 4 weeks for noticeable improvement.
In terms of consistency, once a rosacea flare has set in, it is much harder to quell than preventing it in the first place. Using your medicine on a consistent basis, even when your face is clear, is important for preventing flares from occurring.
Healio: How can physicians help their patients adhere to patience and consistency?
Dermatologists have to spend time explaining that patience and consistency are key. Otherwise, patients will give up hope and either turn to other methods (which can make things worse) or quit. Many studies have proven that having a complexion that is uneven due to redness and red marks can cause self-esteem issues.
Healio: What are the best treatment options for rosacea?
The best treatment options for rosacea are a combination of topicals, pills and in-office procedures. Using any one in isolation could help but won’t be the fastest road to recovery.
Healio: What are some lifestyle changes that help rosacea patients?
Accepting that your skin care regimen cannot be constantly updated is important, as experimenting with the new trends in skin care or makeup may expose the hypersensitive skin of rosacea to an onslaught of chemical offenders. Rosacea patients are best sticking with streamlined skin care and makeup routines, and not exploring too much. Knowing that certain triggers lead to flares is important as well, and a doctor cannot tell you what those triggers are; you need to know for yourself! Keeping a diary is helpful for some. On the National Rosacea Society website you may find a list of common triggers, but it would be unwise to avoid everything listed since it varies from patient to patient.
Reference:
- Rosacea Awareness Month to highlight importance of consistency and patience when trying new therapies. https://www.rosacea.org/blog/2023/february/rosacea-awareness-month-to-highlight-importance-of-consistency-patience-when-trying-new-therapies#:~:text=The%20National%20Rosacea%20Society%20(NRS,treatments%20enough%20time%20to%20work. Accessed Mar. 31, 2023.
For more information:
Estee Williams, MD, can be reached at williams.estee@gmail.com.