Treatments Available for Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes pink or red patches and acne-like lesions. It is usually found on the skin of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Unless it affects the eyes, it is just a cosmetic issue. Caucasian women are particularly susceptible to developing this benign disorder, although it can also affect men and those of other races. Doctors do not understand the exact cause of the condition, but it is not contagious or infectious. It is considered a chronic and non-curable condition, although it can be managed very well with various treatments.

Topical Medication

Topical creams are often used to treat the symptoms of rosacea. They can significantly improve the condition when applied once or twice a day. Azelaic acid cream is often prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by rosacea. It has an antimicrobial effect, discouraging bacterial growth on the skin.  Metronidazole cream is another common topical medication used to treat this disorder. Some sufferers find that using both of these treatments works best, i.e. one in the morning, and one at night. Other antibiotic topical medications include clindamycin and erythromycin. Topical cortisone may also be applied to the affected areas sparingly to control bad inflammation. When choosing cleansers, look for gentle products that won’t cause irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and sulfa-based cleansers may also be helpful.

Oral Medication

A doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics to manage the inflammation and papules that are present with rosacea. Minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline are some of the many oral antibiotics that are used for this purpose. As with all such medications, there are some side effects, so they should be taken into consideration.  For severe cases of rosacea, doctors will prescribe Accutane (Isotretinoin). This is a last resort medication, reserved for the worst cases of acne or rosacea. It requires consistent medical testing and monitoring.

Peels & Lasers

Glycolic acid peels encourage the shedding of the outer layers of skin. This can improve the appearance of the rosacea. However, in some sufferers, it will cause a flare-up, so those with sensitive skin should use caution. Lasers can also be used to reduce redness and noticeable blood vessels. Professionals typically consider this a safe and effective practice for those with rosacea. The laser treatment can be somewhat uncomfortable, and make skin more sensitive to sunlight. There are risks and benefits to both of these treatments. Your physician can give you more information about chemical peels and laser treatments.

Natural Treatments

There are plenty of natural treatments that appear to have positive effects when it comes to rosacea. Natural topical treatments include green tea cream, chrysanthellum indicum cream, licorice, and niacinamide cream. Green tea cream has been shown to reduce red bumps associated with rosacea when applied regularly. Chrysanthellm indicum is an herb that appears to strengthen capillaries and reduce facial redness when used topically. Licorice is another herb that helps to reduce skin redness. Niacinamide cream contains vitamin B3, which is believed to improve skin and reduce inflammation. In fact, there is some indication that rosacea could be caused by inadequate intake of B vitamins.

Things to Avoid

For rosacea sufferers, there are a number of common triggers including sunlight, stress, some cleansers, and certain foods. Everyone is different, but many people with rosacea find that excessive sun exposure will cause their skin to flare up. Emotional stress can have a similar effect, exacerbating the symptoms of the condition. Many skin cleansers contain ingredients that can irritate the skin and make the rosacea worse. Potential triggers include alcohol, peppermint, menthol, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil, witch hazel, and any kind of artificial fragrance. Food can also be a main trigger, including alcohol, spicy food, and temperature hot food. Other trigger foods are dairy, chocolate, yeast extract, soy sauce, eggplants, and citrus fruits.