Rosacea is a long-lasting skin condition with symptoms that vary from person to person. Treatments vary from topical (externally applied) therapies to oral medications and laser therapy. Some rosacea patients may also need to use antibiotics or other systemic treatments for their symptoms. These treatments can be effective in reducing symptoms, but their outcomes will differ from person to person.
The most common symptom of rosacea is redness that lasts for a long time, particularly around the nose area. Some people have flushing episodes of the face, where the skin gets blotchy and looks like they’ve had a sunburn. Others have swollen bumps called papules or pustules on the face.
Often, these early signs of rosacea are managed by avoiding triggers, such as the sun, hot or cold weather, spicy foods, alcohol and other stimulants. Medications such as brimonidine, which narrows blood vessels and reduces redness, can help.
In the more advanced stages of rosacea, swollen blood vessels can become visible on the face. During this stage, a patient may have a thickened skin appearance on their forehead, chin and earlobes. They may also have enlarged pores and a bumpy or oily complexion.
Oral tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline are used in some patients to treat worsening flares. They are typically combined with topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur combination, azelaic acid or erythromycin. Other systemic therapies include isotretinoin, which can reduce acne-like breakouts and is typically used in phymatous rosacea or papulopustular rosacea. rosacea treatment