Rosacea Reseach Foundation Updates

The latest news on the Rosacea Research Foundation:
10th December 2005 The RRF has divested itself of all available funds by making a further contribution of $4265.32 towards the approved research grant that was announced on October 12.
1st December 2005 The RRF is no longer accepting donations and is winding down with the aim of filing dissolution papers by December 31.

CollaGenex Agrees To Purchase SansRosa

CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals to Acquire SansRosa Pharmaceutical Development for Up to About $6.75M

Skin treatment maker CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday that it agreed to acquire SansRosa Pharmaceutical Development Inc., which holds patent applications for methods of treatment of redness associated with rosacea and other skin disorders, for up to about $6.75 million.
An initial payment of $750,000 will give CollaGenex 51 percent of the Philadelphia startup.

Shareholders could get up to an additional $4 million to $6 million if all milestones are met and a patented product is developed and approved for sale, Collagenex said.

The companies' agreement also calls for earn-out payments on future product sales.

Rosacea affects about 13.6 million adults in the United States.

The Management of Rosacea

There is no cure for rosacea. Management includes avoidance of exacerbating factors, medications to suppress the inflammatory lesions and the use of surgery or laser therapy for phymatous disease and telangectasias. Treatment is guided by the predominant subtype of rosacea the patient has.

Patients with rosacea have sensitive skin, so mild cleansers and emollients are advised. All patients with rosacea should apply sunscreens daily to prevent the development of facial photodamage that will exacerbate the redness of rosacea. Patients should attempt to identify aggravating factors to flushing and avoid these, and be advised that effective cosmetic coverage can neutralise erythema.

Erythematotelangectatic rosacea is difficult to treat. Where telangiectatic vessels are significant pulsed dye laser therapy, which causes selective photothermolysis, can be employed. This results in coagulation of the superficial vessels without associated dermal damage.

Topical and systemic antibiotics are the principal treatments for papulopustular rosacea. Topical metronidazole is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and application twice daily results in less erythema and a reduction in inflammatory lesions. Topical metronidazole should be used with caution in women of child bearing age who are not taking oral contraception as it potentially can be absorbed and has mutagenic side effects.

Sodium sulfacetamide (antibacterial) and sulfur (keratolytic) topically can be used. Azelaic acid (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory) top- ically is comparable in efficacy to topical metronidazole. Topical erythromycin (antibacterial; anti-inflammatory) is another effective therapy.

Systemic agents, with or without concurrent topical treatment, are indicated in moderate to severe (grades 2 and 3) papulopustular rosacea.

Systemic agents such as oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin and minocycline, are most frequently used. Treatment should be for four to 12 weeks. Once systemic treatments are ceased, topical therapy is then continued to maintain a remission.

Rhinophyma is uncommon. Grades 2 and 3 rhinophyma can be effectively treated with surgical excision, electrosurgery or CO2 – laser therapy.

Ocular rosacea is common and usually mild. It is treated with good eyelid hygiene and warm compresses, artificial tears and topical application of metronidazole gel to the eyelid margins. Grades 2 and 3 may require treatment with systemic antibiotics. Referral to an ophthalmologist should be made if symptoms are persistent or severe.

THE LINDA SY ROSACEA PICTURE

Board certified dermatologist, Linda Sy Fang, MD, originated Linda Sy Skin Care in 1981. The philosophy was to foster a close collaboration between physician, cosmetic chemist and patient-consumer. Products were, and are, developed with emphasis on keeping the formulations simple, functional and elegant. Linda Sy Skin Care was a pioneer in developing the concept of incorporating sunscreens into makeup and moisturizers.

Through on-going educational efforts and excellent product quality, Linda Sy has cultivated a group of enthusiastic dermatologists who not only recommend the products to their patients but have become devoted users themselves. Since 1985, the product line has been available for dispensing in dermatologists' offices.

In 1994 Linda Sy appeared on the World Wide Web, publishing articles and conducting discussion forums as a means of educating the public on the developments in the skin care profession. Her audience is international in scope, and continues to grow, as does her web site. The product line is conveniently available on line. Loyal customers have become the best referral source for Linda Sy. We thank them all for their support.

Linda Sy is committed to: • Providing the highest quality products. • Performing diligent clinical testing for safety and efficacy. • Offering clients reasonable value and excellent service. Linda Sy Skin Care products are: • Non-acnegenic • Hypoallergenic • Fragrance-free • Paba-free • Low in irritancy

Cooking Induced Rosacea

Rosacea sufferers should try to beat the kitchen heat because exposure to heat from the oven and stove may cause blood vessels in the face to dilate, giving them that extreme flushed look that is characteristic of this condition.

Try the following tips to help keep flare-ups at bay when cooking:

Place a fan in the kitchen and wear loose, comfortable clothing when cooking

Dab your face with a cold wash cloth or chew an ice chip in order to cool off in the kitchen

Take repeated breaks from cooking and baking

Use your rosacea medication consistently