New Treatments for Common Facial Eruptions: Acne/Rosacea/Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Facial eruptions can be stressful for patients, our face being our gateway to the world. Dermatologists like myself spend a significant part of our day helping people find treatment solutions to common facial conditions, including acne, rosacea, and eczema (atopic dermatitis). Sometimes the culprit ends up being genetic or hormonal factors, or sometimes an allergic reaction to a preservative or a fragrance in a skin care product. Let’s take a look at what’s new in management of facial eruptions.

First, if you have an actual skin condition or disease, such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, you should seek professional help. My own Dermatology practice – with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates (www.Rheumderm.com; 1-901-753-0168) is in Cordova, Tennessee. You can also find a Dermatologist close to you by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.

Acne vulgaris, or Common Acne, is one of the most common facial skin conditions, affecting upwards of 50 million Americans. It’s due to a clogging of the openings of the oil glands to the skin surface, i.e. clogged pores, felt by many Dermatologists to be genetic, meaning that it runs in certain families, or it’s related to hormonal changes. The good news is that ongoing research has led to newer, more effective ways of treating acne, from prescription topical agents like azelaic acid and retinoids, to newer oral antibiotics, like doxycycline and minocycline, and a systemic drug called isotretinoin (Accutane). And we now have a new oral antibiotic - Seysara® - and a new topical retinoid or Vitamin A cream - Aklief®.

Acne rosacea, or Rosacea, is a common facial condition with bumps and redness that’s more common in certain families and certain genetic groups. Traditionally managed with courses of oral antibiotics like doxycycline, topical antibiotics like metronidazole, and topical steroids, as of 2020 we Dermatologists now have three new medications to offer our rosacea patients: Soolantra® Cream (Ivermectin), Mirvaso® Cream (brimonidine), and Rhofade® Cream (oxymetazoline).

Atopic Dermatitis, or Eczema, is also common on the face and neck, and its itching, burning, and facial rashes severely impact patients. Flares of facial eczema tend to be worse in the cooler months. The cause of atopic dermatitis is often genetic. The good news is that Dermatologists can now more effectively diagnose eczema with the help of a skin biopsy, or allergy patch testing, a type of skin test checking for allergies to preservatives, fragrances, and latex components, now available through Rheumatology and Dermatology (www.Rheumderm.com; 1-901-753-0168).

In 2016, I became President of Big River Silk™ Skincare Inc. to offer organic cleansers and moisturizers, including a really helpful cleanser for people with oily skin and combination skin - AmberSoy™ Soap Gel, and an anti-wrinkle exfoliating moisturizer with an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid: GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream. Check us out at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com.