What medication is good for rosacea in the eye?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had soreness and redness in the outside corners of my eyes for three months now. I used to suffer from rosacea for 13 years but through diet and lifestyle change, I managed to cure it for nearly seven years. I have been to an eye doctor and dermatologist and nobody can give me an answer. I have taken antibiotics and used cortisone creams but nothing has helped. I am currently taking Doxycycline as it was suggested that I may have shingles which I did have when I was 11, and it has eased but after seven days I can still feel it there, and has by no means cleared up.

Please help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Rosacea has multiple causes. Diet and lifestyle of course are a few of them and that is the reason despite your best effort to modify these changes, some disease persists. Since you have a variety of rosacea that is affecting your eyes, you also need regular ophthalmic follow-up. Rosacea is seen in inherently predisposed persons and it does take a cautious lifestyle to avoid exacerbations. I have gone through your treatment history. I suggest you try Metronidazole 0.75 % gel for these eyelid lesions at night. During the day please use a good sunscreen with 50+ SPF (sun protection factor) and UV (ultraviolet) protective sunglasses. I would like to see a picture of the lesions to help you further.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You can take Doxycycline for 14 days in the present course. Meanwhile start gentle and careful application of Metronidazole gel. Also, continue Cortisone cream on alternate days to avoid sudden steroid withdrawal symptoms. As far white patches on your back, I do not see any association with rosacea. It could be an independent symptom itself. We shall have a follow-up after a week .

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.