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FEATURE


> to sunlight, stress, hot or cold weather, strong winds, strenuous exercise, alcohol, hot baths, spicey foods, hot drinks, excessive caffeine, menopause, diary products, and certain medicines for example Amiodarone, corticosteroids and high doses of Vitamin B6 and B12.


Treatments for Rosacea Unfortunately there currently is no direct cure for rosacea, however there are treatments available to help keep symptoms under control.


Long-term treatment is usually required, as short-term treatments have proven ineffective. For the majority of patients, a combination of medication and self-help measures will dramatically reduce the impact rosacea has on their day-to-day life. [4]


Prevention is usually better than a cure, and with rosacea this is no different. Identifying, and then avoiding those things which trigger a flare up of symptoms is one of the basic and often, most effective measure that can be taken; for example – using sun cream and covering up when in direct sunlight; taking care of skin health, by using products suitable for sensitive skin.


For some patients these measures is enough to reduce the frequency of flare ups, however for many patients, they present to the pharmacy with an active episode of rosacea, and thus achieving a remittance stage is their current goal.


For patients who have papules or pustules, topical and oral treatments are available. Topical metronidazole or azelaic acid creams or gels are often used as first line treatment options.


There is some evidence to suggest that azelaic acid may be more effective that metronidazole in treating rosacea, although it is also more likely to cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning or stinging sensation, itchiness, or dry skin.


These topical preparations are usually applied one to two times each day, and can be several weeks before any significant improvement is noticed. [5]


If symptoms are more severe, oral antibiotics medications can be recommended to help reduce the inflammation of the skin.


Tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin are often used as treatment options, for courses of four to six weeks; however longer courses may be necessary for people in whom spots are persistent. [2]


Oral isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne but in lower doses can also be used to treat rosacea. This medicine is associated with several side effects, and is unsuitable for people who are pregnant or breast-feeding – as a


20 pharmacyinfocus.co.uk


result, this medicine is only ever initiated by a specialist prescriber. [1]


Treating facial redness associated with rosacea is more difficult than treating papules and pustules. Topical gels such as brimonidine tartrate act to restrict the blood vessels in the face and has proven effective for up to 12 hours.


Other oral treatments include clonidine to help relax the blood vessels, beta- blockers to help decrease the activity of the heart, and anxiety medications, which can be effective to help calm a patient and reduce blushing.


It is not entirely clear how effective these medicines are at reducing the redness associated with rosacea, however are sometimes prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist. [6]


Laser and intense pulsed light treatments can be successful in improving the appearance of telangiectasia.


Narrow beams of light are aimed at the visible blood vessels in the skin – the heat from the lasers damages the dilated blood vessels and causes them to shrink, so they are no longer visible. This method of laser treatment shows minimal scarring to the surround area.


What can Community


Pharmacy do? Working with patients, to manage both their medicines and medical conditions, is integral to the daily running of a successful Pharmacy business.


Pharmacy staff can continue to expand their knowledge base so that patients can receive the highest possible standard of care. Focusing on medicines, community pharmacy can provide information for patients, who can then make informed choices about their treatments, and ultimately, how it should be managed. 


References: 1. NHS choices website – Rosacea. Available http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Rosacea/Pages/ Introduction.aspx. Accessed 08-08-15. 2. NICE guidelines and clinical knowledge summary for Rosacea. Available http://cks.nice.org.uk/rosacea#!scenario. Accessed 08-08-15.


3. National Rosacea society education and research website. Available http://www.rosacea.org. Accessed 08-08-15.


4. NHS choices website – Rosacea treatment options. Available http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Rosacea/Pages/ Treatment.aspx. Accessed 08-08-15.


5. National Rosacea Society for management options website. Available http://www.rosacea.org/patients/managemento ptions/medicaltherapy.php. Accessed 08-08-15.


6. British Skin Foundation Rosacea website. Available http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/Skin Information/AtoZofSkindisease/Rosacea.aspx. Accessed 08-08-15.


Blephaclean


Bleaphaclean® is available in all wholesalers, ask them to add this to your regular order today. Each pack contains 20 individually wrapped sterile, preservative free pads. With no need to rinse afterwards, they’re ideal for those who like to keep things simple. So gentle, they are suitable for ages 3months and up!


PIP Code: 335-5179 £5.34 (Trade) RRP £7.99


“My Optician suggested I use Blephaclean® and it ACTUALLY works. It is convenient and easy to use” Mr D Cann, Bishops Stotford


The Pharmacy Show 2015


THE PHARMACY SHOW, NOW IN ITS 9TH YEAR, RETURNS TO THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM ON SUNDAY 18TH AND MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER.


Pharmacy owners and their teams together with pharmacy buyers, wholesalers and allied professionals are invited to take part in two unique days of product sourcing, learning and networking at the UK's leading exhibition and conference dedicated to pharmacy in the community.


As the NHS moves towards placing a greater role on community in the delivery of patient care, visitors can expect exciting new developments as the show's education programme evolves to meet the needs and future shape of community pharmacy.


At the show: Eight key conference streams in 2015; Clinical, Business, Local Pharmacy Innovation, Public Health & Wellbeing, Keynote and new for this year the Pharmaceutical Care Skills Theatre with MUR Workshops and the Technology Hub giving you plenty of opportunity to top up your CPD.


Over 400 exhibitors expected in 2015, including healthcare service providers, showcasing funding options, service delivery support, and new innovations, all aimed towards helping community pharmacy to achieve better patient outcomes and improved profitability.


Registration is now open at thepharmacyshow.co.uk/nipn


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