Rosacea can strike at any age

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 76 years old and first experienced rosacea about one month ago. My primary-care doctor started treatment, but I asked to see a dermatologist. He prescribed metronidazole gel and doxycycline pills, neither of which have yet helped. The doctor thinks laser treatments would help me. My finances don't allow me to pay for them, and my insurance carrier won't cover the expense because they say it's cosmetic treatment. Am I to continue my remaining years looking like W.C. Fields?
- Anon.
ANSWER: It was thought that rosacea (row-ZAY-she-uh) came on during the 30s and 40s, but the National Rosacea Society completed a survey that found 39 per cent of rosacea patients developed it after 50, and 17 per cent before 30. It's a skin condition affecting mostly the face. It often begins as a blush on the cheeks, nose and chin. In time, the blush remains more or less permanent, and tiny webs of blood vessels sprout in those areas. In addition, small, pimplelike bumps emerge on the affected skin. In time, the skin may thicken and the nose may become quite bulbous - like the nose of W.C. Fields, one of America's greatest comedians.
Rosacea also can affect the eyes and make them burn and feel scratchy.
Your medicines are standard treatment, and it might be that you haven't taken them long enough. If they do fail you, there are others, like Differin cream and Finacea gel. You should avoid the sun, alcohol and spicy foods.
Your insurance company's attitude strikes me as a bit odd. Rosacea doesn't kill, but it can kill one's social and functional life. Laser treatment often excels when drug treatment fails. It's especially good for reducing severe skin redness and for getting rid of the tiny surface blood vessels.
The National Rosacea Society can provide you and all other rosacea patients with a wealth of information on treatment. You can contact the society at 888-NO-BLUSH and on the Web at www.rosacea.org.

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