Ocular rosacea and using Skinoren intermittently?

[Frances489]

I saw an ophthalmologist last week who diagnosed Blepharitis which has been caused by my Rosacea - so, Ocular Rosacea, I presume.

The leaflet he has given me about lid hygiene talks about using mild baby shampoo, but my optician has already said to me that this is not recommended any more. After using a heated eye mask, I'm massaging my eye lids and then using a baby wipe to clear away any secretions. Is this OK, or is there anything else which would be more effective?

Also, I use Skinoren on my face only when I get a flare-up of papules. Would I be better using a thin layer of Skinoren daily, rather than intermittently? By doing this, would this also help to keep my eye problems under control?

[Dr Emma Wedgeworth]

HI there,
In terms of the skin rosacea, yes, I would aim to use skinoren daily for at least 3 months to gain control.

I don't think there is significant evidence that skinoren helps ocular rosacea. Make sure you are using only unfragranced, sensitive skin products around the eyes. Artificial tears can also be helpful. If the conservative measures your ophthalmologist advised don't help, it may be worth trying a low dose oral tetracycline antibiotic, which can be helpful for the eyes.

Hope this helps!
BW