HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Like an estimated 16 million Americans, Christine Hafner has been fighting the flush of rosacea.
"You're more aware of all your actions all the time because you are thinking in the back of your head, 'Is this going to make me flush and be pink or red all of a sudden?' And you avoid certain situations as a result," Hafner explained.
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"The redness is what they see on a daily basis and that's usually what others comment. 'Oh did you get a sunburn? Are you embarrassed? Are you hot because of this persistent redness?'" said South Florida Dermatologist Dr. Leslie Clark-Loeser.
When Hafner heard about a recently-approved prescription cream she was eager to try it.
"When my doctor told me about it, it was great. It's going to stop the red, temporarily even? It's perfect, I'll take it" she said.
Mirvaso is the first FDA approved topical treatment aimed at addressing the redness of rosacea.
"Mirvaso is a topical vasoconstrictor so that means it will temporarily narrow the blood vessels on the face," explained Clark-Loeser.
The benefits last up to 12 hours, not as long as laser treatments but far less expensive and easy to use.
"It prevents the red, even for a few hours its a few hours of having a more normal life," Hafner said.
Mirvaso is safe for pregnant women to use after the first trimester but those with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease may not be able to use it because this medication may cause a drop in blood pressure. As with any medication, always check with your doctor.