Rosacea is a highly visible condition that can have a big impact on a person’s self image. Dermatologists have a number of medications that they prescribe for this disorder, but some readers get relief from a simple over-the-counter remedy, dandruff shampoo.
Could Dandruff Shampoo Clear the Redness of Rosacea?
Q. I have been suffering from rosacea for years. Lately it has really started to affect my life, to the point that I didn’t want to go out in public anymore.
I read your column and immediately went to the store and bought the dandruff shampoo T/Gel. It started to work right away. Three days later the redness on my face has almost entirely cleared up.
I have one question. I am nervous that rosacea will become immune to this remedy. Do any of your readers have anecdotes about rosacea coming back because it built up immunity to T/Gel?
A. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that makes the skin of the face red. Frequently as it worsens, it causes pimples and bumps on the skin. Severe cases can definitely affect a person’s appearance and self confidence.
In the column you read, a person reported that washing the skin with the dandruff shampoo Neutrogena T/Gel helped clear up the redness. It isn’t yet clear exactly how this coal-tar-based product changes the conditions that lead to rosacea.
What Causes Rosacea?
Scientists believe that overabundance of skin mites called Demodex folliculorum and possibly the bacteria they carry, Bacillus oleronius, trigger an immune response. The skin reacts by producing antimicrobial compounds (cathelicidins) that cause inflammation and lead to redness (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Symposium Proceedings, Dec., 2011).
Part of the problem with this condition is an overactive immune response in the skin. As a result, we don’t know if the skin cells ultimately will develop resistance to the shampoo. Switching occasionally to a different dandruff shampoo, such as one with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione, may reduce resistance. This tactic often helps control dandruff, so you might find it helpful for rosacea.
