Rosacea is a common skin condition associated with easy blushing and red face; many patients with rosacea react to sunlight with increased redness. The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of a topical medication will help reduce sunlight induced redness and irritation in patients with rosacea.
Fitzpatrick Skin Type I - IIII
Self-identified rosacea or no history of flushing/blushing for controls
Able to provide medical history and list of medications -- control subjects will not be allowed to take medications that are known to be photosensitizers.
Using imipramine, amitriptyline or any other tricyclic antidepressant (oral or topical)
Using topical anti-inflammatory (within 1 week) or systemic agents (e.g. prednisone)
Large tattoos in the designated testing areas
Tanning bed use within last 3 months