If you’ve ever struggled with rosacea, you’re not alone. It’s a common skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, but until now, doctors typically diagnosed it based on distinct “subtypes” of rosacea. That’s about to change.
The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has introduced new treatment algorithms, aiming to shift away from the old method of classifying rosacea based on subtypes and instead focusing on individual patient symptoms and their severity. This personalized approach recognizes that rosacea isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. It’s a continuum of systemic inflammation that can look different from one person to the next.
So, what’s new?
A New Way of Diagnosing Rosacea
Rosacea will no longer be categorized strictly by subtypes like erythematotelangiectatic (redness and visible blood vessels) or papulopustular (bumps and pimples). Instead, the new diagnostic system focuses on phenotypes—individual characteristics such as persistent redness, thickening of the skin, and certain eye symptoms. This allows doctors to more accurately diagnose rosacea based on what you’re actually experiencing, not just fitting you into a box.
Treating Rosacea in a More Personalized Way
This new approach also means more personalized treatments. Doctors can now choose therapies based on your specific signs and symptoms, whether that’s mild facial redness or more pronounced issues like skin thickening. For example:
- For mild cases, a simple solution like sunscreen, avoiding triggers (such as spicy food or extreme temperatures), and using non-irritating cosmetics may do the trick.
- More serious cases could involve treatments like topical medications, laser therapy, or even oral antibiotics like doxycycline.
Even newer treatments, like microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, are now on the list to help those with sensitive skin. This gradual-release formula makes it easier to manage rosacea without irritating the skin.
Why This Is a Big Deal
This shift toward a more personalized treatment plan is a game-changer. It’s no longer about trying to fit rosacea into predefined categories. Instead, doctors will treat you based on what’s actually happening with your skin. Whether you’re dealing with chronic redness, papules, pustules, or eye issues, there’s now a more targeted treatment for you.
As Dr. Zoe Draelos, one of the researchers behind the new algorithms, points out, we still don’t fully understand what causes rosacea, but we’re getting closer to developing more effective and tailored ways to treat it.
If you’re struggling with rosacea, this is great news: a more personalized treatment plan could mean clearer skin and a better understanding of your condition!
