Rescue from Redness: Options for Rapid Improvement of Erythema

Dermatologists and their patients today have more options for rosacea management than ever before. Despite the availability of both topical and systemic therapies and/or procedures that can provide effective long-term control, some patients present to their dermatologist desperate for a "quick fix" to reduce erythema in the short-term, usually because of an upcoming social or business function. When confronted with patients seeking to safely and quickly minimize erythema, dermatologists can suggest some affordable, effective options.

Rapid Redness Reduction
Antioxidants. Antioxidant ingredients incorporated into various topical formulations may offer anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing effects. Green tea polyphenols (such as found in the Replenix line, Topix) have been popular with patients, and there has been recent interest in coffeeberry extract (RevaleSkin, Stiefel) for its calming effects. These and a number of other cosmeceutical products intended for in-office sale can help reduce redness rather quickly. Note that some of these formulations are marketed primarily for other "indications," such as overall rejuvenation or even skin lightening, rather than for "calming" or erythema-reducing effects. Cosmeceutical products will provide more noticeable rejuvenating results with long-term use, but redness reduction can often be seen with fewer applications.

Investigate various offerings to see which might be a good fit for your practice.

Topical Corticosteroids. Dermatologists and a number of patients know that a slather of a prescription corticosteroid, like Topicort cream (Taro Pharma), applied twice over 24 hours helps reduce redness quickly, especially when it is inflammatory in nature. Give patients only a sample-size tube; do not provide a prescription in order to avoid over-use of topical corticosteroids, which can cause skin atrophy, telangectasias, acneiform eruptions, rebound flare, and other long term complications.

OTC Redness Reducers. Several over-the-counter options available at any drug store can provide redness reducing effects for patients seeking quick relief. One popular product is Eucerin Anti-Redness (Beiersdorf), which features licorice extract as its primary ingredient.

Green-tinted anti-redness creams combine the camouflaging effects of green cosmetics with the added benefit of calming ingredients. Some of these creams are suitable even for use by men. Green-tinted foundation make-up is also available.

Sulfur Masks. Several manufacturers offer sulfur masks that are typically intended for once-weekly application. Some products are available for office dispensing, but products are also available on-line or in some drug stores. Regular use of these masks confers anti-inflammatory benefits that may enhance other therapies a patient may be using. When masks are applied twice in one day they can provide a rather dramatic and rapid reduction in erythema.

OTC "Decongestants." Afrin (Schering-Plough HealthCare Products), the popular and widely used nasal spray, contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which is described as a decongestant. While it can help minimize congestion with intranasal delivery, the agent is actually a vasoconstrictor. When the product is applied topically to the skin, it provides rapid improvement in erythema. Patients should use this intervention only as a "rescue" and avoid daily application until further studies are published.