Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the central area of the face. Symptoms vary between individuals and can include one or more of the following:
People with rosacea may experience symptoms lasting weeks to months, followed by periods of remission with few or no symptoms. Various triggers can prompt these flareups, such as:
The primary treatment strategy is to minimize exposure to the triggers listed above. When trigger avoidance alone isn’t enough, treatment options include:
Gentle Skincare and Sun Protection
Regularly using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen on your face helps to calm the skin and enhance its tolerance of topical treatments. Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (mineral sunscreens are generally gentler on rosacea-prone skin than chemical sunscreens) with an SPF of 30 or more, reapply every 2 hours, and wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Topical Medications
Various topical medications (creams, gels, lotions) target specific symptoms of rosacea. Anti-inflammatory agents like azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide help with skin breakouts, while topical antibiotic metronidazole (Metrocream, Metrogel) and anti-mite cream ivermectin (Soolantra) treat acne-like lesions and inflammation. Oxymetazoline (Rhofade) or brimonidine (Mirvaso) creams can help reduce flushing and persistent redness. Sulfur-based washes, when routinely used, may also mitigate redness. These skincare applications can also soothe burning and stinging sensations.
Oral Medications
Minocycline and doxycycline are low-dose tetracyclines used to treat advanced inflammation and prevent skin thickening. For severe acne and inflammation, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed.
Laser and Surgical Treatments
Lasers are highly effective for clearing up visible blood vessels, facial redness, and skin thickening. If you’re suffering from excessive skin thickness, electrosurgery (hot loop) or radiofrequency treatments may be recommended.
