Rosacea Review

Spring 2009

• FEATURE: National Rosacea Society Awards New Grants for Medical Research
• FEATURE: Essential Steps Help Keep Rosacea at Bay
• FEATURE: Rosacea Patients Cite Summer as Season for Most Aggravations
• Q & A: Answers to Readers' Questions
• TIPS: Handling Hurtful Comments
• READER SURVEY ON ROSACEA
• BRIEF: Family History, Sun Linked to Rosacea
• SUCCESS STORY: Patient Overcomes Five-Year Break in Medical Therapy

Q & A

Q. Can rosacea be on the inside of your eyelids?

A. One of the possible symptoms of subtype 4 (ocular) rosacea is a foreign body sensation, in which the eyelid may feel gritty. Though there have been no studies, this feeling may result from the presence of inflammation on the inside of the eyelid, or from dry eye when the tear glands become blocked. As with any eye symptom, if it persists or worsens, see an eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment. While ocular rosacea may often be mild, severe cases may lead to serious complications, including corneal damage that can result in reduction of visual acuity.

Q. Hydrocortisone takes away the itchy rash from my face. Is it safe to use for a long period of time?

A. Not usually. Hydrocortisone is a steroid, and studies have shown that long-term use of such medications can induce rosacea-like symptoms. When steroids are discontinued, the symptoms usually improve.

Although a steroid may sometimes be temporarily prescribed to quickly reduce inflammation, physicians generally prescribe medications intended specifically for rosacea to provide safe and effective long-term therapy.