Finding the Right Treatment for Your Rosacea

Rosacea may not have a permanent cure but there are several treatment options available that can help relieve symptoms and reduce the intensity and incidence of the skin condition symptoms particular to your type of rosacea.

Treatment will depend on the subtype of rosacea you have and the severity of each flare-up. Early diagnosis of the condition and the general health of the individual will have an impact on the treatments of choice. The key to minimizing the effects of rosacea and reversing the appearance of the symptoms of rosacea are dependant on catching the flare-up early.

The usual first symptom of the disease is the flush or blush that occurs in the affected skin area. This occurs before the pustules or red bumps and also before the blood vessels have a chance to further dilate or permanently dilate (which occurs when treatment is ignored).

Medications:

There are three general types of medications used to treat rosacea. The three types of medications include: oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and shampoos. Some cases of severe rosacea are treated using topical steroids but this should be avoided if possible due to the fact that topical steroids can make dilation of blood vessels worse. Topical steroids can also actually cause something called, "steroid-induced rosacea".

The topical antibiotics used most often to treat rosacea are metronidazole and tetracycline stable such as doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline. Antibiotics are the first line of defense prescribed by doctors and dermatologists. Antibiotics help to reduce the number of papule and pus that forms in them. Antibiotics can also reduce the amount of redness and flushing that occurs.

Laser Treatment

Extreme cases of papule formation or redness may require laser treatment. The subtype that generally may require laser treatment is phymatous rosacea. Carbon dioxide laser, vascular laser or intense pulse light may be prescribed in this case.

Self-care treatment options:

Avoid the things that trigger your rosacea flare-ups such as weather, skin irritants, cold or hot drinks and foods, alcoholic beverages and medications that contain vasodilating drugs or are topical steroids.

Use common sense in daily skin care by using products on your skin designed for sensitive skin, avoid hot or cold baths and showers, do not use loofahs or rough towels and also avoid all skin irritants like cosmetics, creams and lotions that contain dyes or perfumes and try to avoid environmental pollutant particles such as going outside on a windy day in areas where debris, and other irritants are likely to be flying in the air.

Keep notes on what treatments you have tried and what works and what does not work for you. It would be good to also keep notes regarding the household products that you use especially those that come in contact with your face (pillows that touch your face at night – what are they washed in?).

You, your doctor or dermatologist and their medical staff should all work together as a team to ascertain the best treatment options for your rosacea. Keep in touch with your team members so that as your rosacea changes your treatment plan can be adjusted so that you remain in control of your symptoms and your skin condtion.

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