Ultraviolet light and rosacea.

The general consensus among clinicians is that rosacea is a photoaggravated disorder. Pathophysiologic processes induced by UV radiation, which are processes similar to those seen in photoaging, contribute to the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Because of the purported role of solar radiation, clinicians may want to use photosensitizing antibiotics with discretion in patients with rosacea. In addition to topical and oral therapy for rosacea, clinicians should recommend that patients use sunscreens or sunblocks (inorganic chemicals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).