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Rosacea is a common and long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes facial redness and the development of small, pus-filled bumps called pustules. The condition can also cause a stinging and burning sensation across the face and small blood vessels may become visible underneath the skin.
The condition is relapsing and the affected individual experiences periods that are symptom-free or less severe, followed by “flare-ups,” where symptoms suddenly worsen. Some of the symptoms can be controlled to a certain extent with medications, but when they do arise, they can cause significant distress and affect an individual’s self-esteem.
According to data from the National Rosacea Society, nearly 14 million Americans aged between 25 and 60 years are affected by rosacea. The exact pathophysiology of this condition is not yet known, although bacterial skin infection and abnormal facial vasculature, and a reaction to microscopic mites on the face have been indicated as possible causes by researchers.
Current research into rosacea generally focuses on the following:
Medications currently undergoing evaluation include both locally applied and orally ingested agents. Among topical agents are immunosuppressants such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus, and retinoids for the treatment of acne. Some oral medications include the antibiotics tetracycline and metronidazole and the retinoid isotretinoin. Trials of alpha blockers for the treatment of widespread redness are also underway. Ocular rosacea is another major area of research where medications that might help reduce the eye problems associated with rosacea are being studied.
Several Cochrane reviews have assessed the therapies available for treating rosacea over the years. The conclusion of these reviews is that large, randomised trials are required before definitive recommendations can be put in place.
In 2013, the National Rosacea Society (NRS) awarded funding for two new studies as well as continuing their support for five ongoing studies. Chairman of the society’s medical advisory board, Dr Mark Dahl says that this research is now enabling a significantly improved understanding of the pathology behind rosacea and potential new therapies to target the disease process.
The new funding will support a study being conducted at the University of California-San Diego that will investigate whether inhibiting mast cell activity alleviates inflammation in individuals with rosacea. This follows a previous study, also funded by the NRS, that suggested mast cells located between the vascular system and the nervous system are the key to triggering the inflammation seen in this condition.
These mast cells appear to have a number of receptors that can induce a wide range of cellular responses, including those that lead to rosacea symptoms. The research also showed that inflammation symptoms did not develop in mice that were treated with mast cell stabilizers. In the new study, the researchers will look at whether topical application of a mast cell stabilizer called cromolyn sodium does indeed alleviate symptoms. They will also investigate whether two enzymes (trypatase and chymotryptase) that are usually raised in patients with rosacea return to a normal level after the mast cell stabilizer is applied.
The second study that has received NRS funding will take place at the University of California-San Francisco and will investigate the biochemical pathways involved in inflammation. This study is being performed following recent findings that suggested trigger factors such as skin irritation and sunlight stress the endoplasmic reticulum inside cells. The endoplasmic reticulum is a network surrounding the cell nucleus that is involved in the folding and manufacture of proteins. Triggers that stress this organelle may induce a series of chemical reactions that lead to rosacea symptoms.
The new study will investigate whether inhibition of these pathways will block the effects that lead to symptoms. The study will also look at whether the effects of topical resveratrol and a fatty acid derivative will prevent inflammation symptoms.
Surgical, laser and other techniques that can help remove excess skin across the face and nose are being studied for their efficacy and cosmetic outcomes. A non-laser light therapy technique called pulsed light therapy is also currently being used to evaluate the skin of rosacea patients for underlying causes of the condition and as a tool for treating complications such as thread veins and redness.