Thursday, July 28, 2005
SansRosa patent
Thanks to Pablo for forwarding through to us:
http://www.wipo.int/ipdl/IPDL-CIMAGES/view/pct/getbykey5?KEY=04/105703.041209
And
http://www.freshpatents.com/Compounds-formulations-and-methods-for-treating-or-preventing-rosacea-dt20041202ptan20040242588.php
Worth reading in full, especially the case histories.
http://www.wipo.int/ipdl/IPDL-CIMAGES/view/pct/getbykey5?KEY=04/105703.041209
And
http://www.freshpatents.com/Compounds-formulations-and-methods-for-treating-or-preventing-rosacea-dt20041202ptan20040242588.php
Worth reading in full, especially the case histories.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Dr. Darm Joins Rosacea Support
Nice to see so many physicians joining the Rosacea Support group. Dr. Darm posts an introductory message to the group and explains some of his techniques used to treat Rosacea. Please give him a warm welcome. It also sounds like he's working with Dr. Soldo and Dr. Bitter Sr. in sharing his unique techniques and learning from theirs. This is excellent news for those seeking an experienced laser practitioner in the Northwest corner of the US (Dr. Darm practices near Portland, Oregon).
Quote:
"After talking to Dr Soldo and to Drs Patrick Bitter Sr I have been impressed with their integrity, experience and fund of knowledge--I am anxious to join your group to help further the knowledge of the treatment of rosacea.."
Link to original post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/49dc54f1608455ac
Link to Dr. Darm's website:
http://www.drdarm.com
Quote:
"After talking to Dr Soldo and to Drs Patrick Bitter Sr I have been impressed with their integrity, experience and fund of knowledge--I am anxious to join your group to help further the knowledge of the treatment of rosacea.."
Link to original post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/49dc54f1608455ac
Link to Dr. Darm's website:
http://www.drdarm.com
Friday, July 22, 2005
More Collaboration: Soldo And Dr. William Drury
Another recent post from Dr. Soldo says that he's been in contact with Dr. William Drury practicing out of Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Drury is also using the Lumenis One for treatments and may be posting to the R-S Group in the near future. I commend Dr. Soldo's efforts to reach out and spend time discussing Rosacea treatment with other practitioners around the States - and soon perhaps around the world.
Quote:
"I have just spoken to William Drury, MD from Greenville SC who is also using the Lumenis One with good results--He is very interested injoining us in our ongoing quest for better rosacea treatments.. "
Link to Dr. Soldo's post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/d442f4ef92349186
Quote:
"I have just spoken to William Drury, MD from Greenville SC who is also using the Lumenis One with good results--He is very interested injoining us in our ongoing quest for better rosacea treatments.. "
Link to Dr. Soldo's post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/d442f4ef92349186
Review find studies for rosacea "poor"
Still seems like there is no-one doing good rosacea research and publishing it.
Quote:
"One of our primary outcome measures, 'quality of life', was not assessed in any of the studies."
"AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The quality of studies evaluating rosacea treatments was generally poor. There is evidence that topical metronidazole and azelaic acid are effective. There is some evidence that oral metronidazole and tetracycline are effective.There is insufficient evidence concerning the effectiveness of other treatments. Good RCTs looking at these treatments are urgently needed."
Full abstract here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16034895&query_hl=1
Quote:
"One of our primary outcome measures, 'quality of life', was not assessed in any of the studies."
"AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The quality of studies evaluating rosacea treatments was generally poor. There is evidence that topical metronidazole and azelaic acid are effective. There is some evidence that oral metronidazole and tetracycline are effective.There is insufficient evidence concerning the effectiveness of other treatments. Good RCTs looking at these treatments are urgently needed."
Full abstract here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16034895&query_hl=1
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Cutanix
I have a suspicion that the active ingredient in Cutanix is related to "benzaldehyde" as mentioned in the previous blog entry. The smell of almonds (benzaldehyde is also known as bitter almond oil) that is common between these topicals looks like more than co-incidence... Can anyone confirm?
Efficacy of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in reducing facial erythema.
New study, abstract below. Conclusion: "The results suggest that benzaldehyde-derived anti-inflammatory agents may be useful in reducing facial erythema in a rosacea model. "
(link)
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):881-6.
Efficacy of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in reducing facial erythema.
Draelos ZD, Fuller BB.
Background: Facial erythema is a common postsurgical and dermatologic problem. It is commonly the result of dermal inflammation arising from either a facial surgical procedure, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or a face peel, or from an underlying dermatologic condition, such as rosacea. Facial erythema is difficult for the dermatologist to treat in both settings because topical corticosteroids cannot be used long term on the thin facial skin and anti-inflammatory oral or topical antibiotics have associated side effects.
Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in a rosacea model of facial erythema.
Methods: Thirty subjects with mild to moderate stable rosacea were enrolled in this 4-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Photographs, investigator assessment, and subject assessment were the efficacy criteria.
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in facial erythema (p<.01) in those subjects who used the active for 4 weeks, as well as a statistically significant improvement in uneven skin tone (p<.01) and the overall severity of the disease (p<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in any of these three indices in the vehicle-treated group.
Conclusion: The results suggest that benzaldehyde-derived anti-inflammatory agents may be useful in reducing facial erythema in a rosacea model.
(link)
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):881-6.
Efficacy of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in reducing facial erythema.
Draelos ZD, Fuller BB.
Background: Facial erythema is a common postsurgical and dermatologic problem. It is commonly the result of dermal inflammation arising from either a facial surgical procedure, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or a face peel, or from an underlying dermatologic condition, such as rosacea. Facial erythema is difficult for the dermatologist to treat in both settings because topical corticosteroids cannot be used long term on the thin facial skin and anti-inflammatory oral or topical antibiotics have associated side effects.
Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 1% 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde in a rosacea model of facial erythema.
Methods: Thirty subjects with mild to moderate stable rosacea were enrolled in this 4-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Photographs, investigator assessment, and subject assessment were the efficacy criteria.
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in facial erythema (p<.01) in those subjects who used the active for 4 weeks, as well as a statistically significant improvement in uneven skin tone (p<.01) and the overall severity of the disease (p<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in any of these three indices in the vehicle-treated group.
Conclusion: The results suggest that benzaldehyde-derived anti-inflammatory agents may be useful in reducing facial erythema in a rosacea model.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Dr. Diaz and Dr. Soldo Collaborating
Dr. Soldo recently mentioned that he and Dr. Diaz have been communicating and exchanging treatment experiences and techniques with each other. Both physicians have the Lumenis One and both are very experienced practitioners.
Quote:
"Dr Diaz and I have been communicating lately regarding Lumenis One
treatments for rosacea.."
Link to Dr. Soldo's post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/1d96013e661c2c82
For those not already aware - Dr. Soldo practices out of Phoenix, Arizona and Dr. Diaz practices out of Gulf Shores, Alabama. It finally seems those in the South Eastern region of the U.S. have someone they may be able to see! Also worth noting, Dr. Diaz will be the first physician for the new Physician Question & Answer forum at rosaceagroup.org.
Quote:
"Dr Diaz and I have been communicating lately regarding Lumenis One
treatments for rosacea.."
Link to Dr. Soldo's post:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rosacea/msg/1d96013e661c2c82
For those not already aware - Dr. Soldo practices out of Phoenix, Arizona and Dr. Diaz practices out of Gulf Shores, Alabama. It finally seems those in the South Eastern region of the U.S. have someone they may be able to see! Also worth noting, Dr. Diaz will be the first physician for the new Physician Question & Answer forum at rosaceagroup.org.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Ultra Low Dose Accutane (for Acne)
Article in the Dermatology times, about Gerd Plewig MD and his experiences with ultra-low-dose accutane.
Summary: Most people who are prescribed accutane are given doses far too high and would benefit from ultra-low doses with far fewer side effects. Many of the horrible side effects we read about in relation to accutane are with "normal" acne dosages of 80mg/day and upwards.
This in comparison really is low dose at 2.5mg a day.
Quote:
"The endpoint or the lowest point of a retinoid being effective for the treatment of seborrhea, persistent low grade acne, or maintenance therapy for patients with bad acne probably is around 2.5 mg or 2 mg, or maybe even 1.5 mg," Dr. Plewig said.
Summary: Most people who are prescribed accutane are given doses far too high and would benefit from ultra-low doses with far fewer side effects. Many of the horrible side effects we read about in relation to accutane are with "normal" acne dosages of 80mg/day and upwards.
This in comparison really is low dose at 2.5mg a day.
Quote:
"The endpoint or the lowest point of a retinoid being effective for the treatment of seborrhea, persistent low grade acne, or maintenance therapy for patients with bad acne probably is around 2.5 mg or 2 mg, or maybe even 1.5 mg," Dr. Plewig said.
Palomar Starlux Laser / IPL System for Rosacea
Just seen the Starlux mentioned for the first time (hat-tip to Cookie on ESFB board -- who mentions this in an amusing post about being stopped in London by the police).
Starlux IPL
Clearly, this site is by the manufacturer and is therefore a sales pitch and to be treated with caution. Reading actual treatment reports is the way to go!
Below I have quoted some claimed improvements.
There are also some "white-papers", again on the manufacturers site:
"Palomar systems deliver pulsed light over one smooth pulse duration, rather than the multiple power spikes (which may damage skin) that other technologies use. This smooth pulse technology keeps the epidermal temperature lower, for far more comfortable treatments. It also allows for the safe delivery of greater amounts of energy, which is more effectively absorbed by pigment and blood, producing greater efficacy. "
"In most light-based treatments, up to 60% of light is reflected back off the skin surface, and not delivered to the treatment target. But Palomar’s patented Photon Recycling process uses mirrors within the handpiece to recapture this scattered light and send it back to the treatment area for a more efficient delivery of energy."
"The Palomar Lux handpieces are designed to filter light in the optimal bands of the spectrum for specific treatments. For example, the LuxRs™ filters light to provide the ideal spectrum for permanent hair reduction on all skin types. The LuxG™ filters light to provide the ideal spectrum for vascular lesions and epidermal pigment. This allows you to choose the best handpiece for the treatments you seek to deliver."
Starlux IPL
Clearly, this site is by the manufacturer and is therefore a sales pitch and to be treated with caution. Reading actual treatment reports is the way to go!
Below I have quoted some claimed improvements.
There are also some "white-papers", again on the manufacturers site:
"Palomar systems deliver pulsed light over one smooth pulse duration, rather than the multiple power spikes (which may damage skin) that other technologies use. This smooth pulse technology keeps the epidermal temperature lower, for far more comfortable treatments. It also allows for the safe delivery of greater amounts of energy, which is more effectively absorbed by pigment and blood, producing greater efficacy. "
"In most light-based treatments, up to 60% of light is reflected back off the skin surface, and not delivered to the treatment target. But Palomar’s patented Photon Recycling process uses mirrors within the handpiece to recapture this scattered light and send it back to the treatment area for a more efficient delivery of energy."
"The Palomar Lux handpieces are designed to filter light in the optimal bands of the spectrum for specific treatments. For example, the LuxRs™ filters light to provide the ideal spectrum for permanent hair reduction on all skin types. The LuxG™ filters light to provide the ideal spectrum for vascular lesions and epidermal pigment. This allows you to choose the best handpiece for the treatments you seek to deliver."
Friday, July 15, 2005
The Rosacea Blog Manifesto
I wanted to post a manifesto for the way we report here on the rosacea blog.
We want to help people with rosacea. We do this by speeding up dissemination of new information, hopefully helping in our own little way to bring about a cure.
We aim to bring to attention new treatments, protocols, viewpoints, from a wide range of people with different experiences in treating this disorder. This includes physicians, researchers, laser practitioners, patients, skincare companies, and more.
We are not in anyone's pocket!
We have not and will not receive any payments or favours from physicians. Occasionally we may in the future request samples of new products or skincare treatments, but we will always
state if we have tried something and received it for free.
We will probe, ask questions, report dissenting viewpoints, bring attention to problems, point out possible improvements and try to paint a healthy, wide-ranging viewpoint on all issues.
We strongly believe that if someone is recommending a treatment / doctor or product, and is being paid by that doctor for whatever reason, then that recommendation is questionable and should be declared in full, up front.
We want to help people with rosacea. We do this by speeding up dissemination of new information, hopefully helping in our own little way to bring about a cure.
We aim to bring to attention new treatments, protocols, viewpoints, from a wide range of people with different experiences in treating this disorder. This includes physicians, researchers, laser practitioners, patients, skincare companies, and more.
We are not in anyone's pocket!
We have not and will not receive any payments or favours from physicians. Occasionally we may in the future request samples of new products or skincare treatments, but we will always
state if we have tried something and received it for free.
We will probe, ask questions, report dissenting viewpoints, bring attention to problems, point out possible improvements and try to paint a healthy, wide-ranging viewpoint on all issues.
We strongly believe that if someone is recommending a treatment / doctor or product, and is being paid by that doctor for whatever reason, then that recommendation is questionable and should be declared in full, up front.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Dr. Soldo on N-lite
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74923
Quote: "As those of you who follow this site already know I am not a fan of NLite--Many played with it several years ago but the results were rather dismal"
I recently spoke to a laser-doc who told me that acne patients treated with N-Lite were now starting to relapse. It's not clear to me that the effect on rosacea is well understood.
Quote: "As those of you who follow this site already know I am not a fan of NLite--Many played with it several years ago but the results were rather dismal"
I recently spoke to a laser-doc who told me that acne patients treated with N-Lite were now starting to relapse. It's not clear to me that the effect on rosacea is well understood.
Dr. Soldo's thoughts on pre-flushing
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74903
Quote: "I have attained great results even in prior years when I never preflushed--Dr Bitter and I have compared notes over the years and he always impressed me in that he generally only produced gentle and mild pre-flushing"
Someone should be doing studies into these kind of protocols. There are too many hypothesis' and not enough hard evidence. Result: Confusion!
Quote: "I have attained great results even in prior years when I never preflushed--Dr Bitter and I have compared notes over the years and he always impressed me in that he generally only produced gentle and mild pre-flushing"
Someone should be doing studies into these kind of protocols. There are too many hypothesis' and not enough hard evidence. Result: Confusion!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
"New advances in the management of red, irritated skin"
PDF document from the Dermatology-times. I think it's an advertorial, certainly reads like one. Talks about topical products containing licorice. This is meant to help redness and sensitivity.
http://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatologytimes/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=167523
Licorice has been discussed before many times on the rosacea-support group. Here is a link to the archives where "licorice" has been mentioned:
http://www.escribe.com/health/rosacea-support/search.html?query=licorice
Licorice has been studies in atopic dermatitis:
The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel
http://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatologytimes/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=167523
Licorice has been discussed before many times on the rosacea-support group. Here is a link to the archives where "licorice" has been mentioned:
http://www.escribe.com/health/rosacea-support/search.html?query=licorice
Licorice has been studies in atopic dermatitis:
The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel
Monday, July 11, 2005
Dr. Soldo on rosacea-support
David welcomes Dr. Nick Soldo to the rosacea support group.
Quote: "This is the first in what we are hoping will be a group of experts being on rosacea-support. Dr. Soldo is happy to collaborate with others that are as committed to treating rosacea as himself. Will let you know as it happens."
Quote: "This is the first in what we are hoping will be a group of experts being on rosacea-support. Dr. Soldo is happy to collaborate with others that are as committed to treating rosacea as himself. Will let you know as it happens."
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Aczone Approved by FDA
Looks like Aczone Gel (5% Dapsone) has been approved by the FDA. This has been mentioned before as a possible treatment for Rosacea. However, there may need to be tweaks to the formula used for acne vulgaris so that it will be tolerable for sensitive Rosacea skin.
Yahoo! News on Aczone approval.
Also, around the same time (June 30th) the FDA approved a Metrogel (metronidazole) Topical Gel 1% for treatment of Rosacea lesions. Not really exciting news for most Rosaceans, but just an FYI for those who are getting success from the current formulation of Metrogel.
New Metrogel news via Docguide.com.
Yahoo! News on Aczone approval.
Also, around the same time (June 30th) the FDA approved a Metrogel (metronidazole) Topical Gel 1% for treatment of Rosacea lesions. Not really exciting news for most Rosaceans, but just an FYI for those who are getting success from the current formulation of Metrogel.
New Metrogel news via Docguide.com.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Experience with macrolide antibiotics
A personal report from someone on rosacea-support:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74674
Seems like for quite a few people, these drugs cause yeast problems (candida, thrush, seb-derm, etc). Something to discuss in detail with your Dr. / IPL practitioner before going ahead I guess.
Quote:
"Two weeks later I was told that I have Candida Glabrata, a less common and very difficult to treat strain of yeast. This strain is resistant to most of the usual anti-fungal therapies. I'll spare you the details of the course of treatment I'm now undertaking, but can assure you that it is a drawn out and very unpleasant process (and not even guaranteed to work!). Apparantly this type of yeast canbe extremely difficult to get rid of."
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74674
Seems like for quite a few people, these drugs cause yeast problems (candida, thrush, seb-derm, etc). Something to discuss in detail with your Dr. / IPL practitioner before going ahead I guess.
Quote:
"Two weeks later I was told that I have Candida Glabrata, a less common and very difficult to treat strain of yeast. This strain is resistant to most of the usual anti-fungal therapies. I'll spare you the details of the course of treatment I'm now undertaking, but can assure you that it is a drawn out and very unpleasant process (and not even guaranteed to work!). Apparantly this type of yeast canbe extremely difficult to get rid of."
Potential dangers of macrolide antibiotics
Dr. Soldo posts his thoughts on macrolide antibiotics.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74667
Quote: "I do not view this as the use of a powerful group of drugs rather than an ABUSE of these drugs--There has never been a study to prove the benefits outweigh the risks"
My personal experience: Azithromycin gave me terrible stomach ache and the onset of thrush in the mouth. Haven't tried any of the others.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/74667
Quote: "I do not view this as the use of a powerful group of drugs rather than an ABUSE of these drugs--There has never been a study to prove the benefits outweigh the risks"
My personal experience: Azithromycin gave me terrible stomach ache and the onset of thrush in the mouth. Haven't tried any of the others.
