Facial hygiene and comprehensive management of rosacea.

The skin of patients with rosacea is exquisitely sensitive to various dietary, environmental, and topical factors that initiate the facial erythema characteristic of this sensitive skin condition. This sensitivity is probably due to epidermal barrier dysfunction. Overall management of rosacea involves the avoidance of dietary and environmental triggers, concurrent with the use of prescription therapies. The appropriate selection of over-the-counter and prescription skin care products is equally important. This article reviews the use of therapeutic skin cleansers, including the newest category of prescription antimicrobial cleansers, which can enhance the overall management of this inflammatory dermatologic disorder.