What treatment options are available for rosacea?

There is no cure yet for rosacea, but there are treatments available such as topical retinoids, creams, and oral antibiotics aimed at decreasing redness, inflammation, and acne bumps. Your dermatologist can help you choose the best treatment plan for you given the characteristics of your individual rosacea. If you suspect you could have this condition, don’t try to take care of it on your own. There is not much by way of over-the-counter remedies that really work and, if left untreated, it can progress to the point that large blood vessels and pus-filled pimples appear.

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Many of the medications that are effective for acne pimples, including benzoyl peroxide and the topical antibiotics metronidazole and azelaic acid, will help to prevent rosacea flares. For enlarged blood vessels, doctors often recommend laser surgery, light treatments, or electrosurgery, all of which destroy the blood vessels that cause red lines and blotches.

You can control symptoms by avoiding anything that increases blood flow to the face, including hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, hot baths or showers, and rubbing your face. Avoid lotions and cosmetics that contain alcohol and fragrances.

Treatment for rosacea includes avoiding dietary, environmental and emotional triggers known to cause flare-ups, as well as practicing "sun safety" whenever possible -- cover up with sunscreen; wear light-colored, tightly woven protective clothing; and avoid the sun.

This condition also can be managed with topical or oral antibiotics. Metronidazole (Metrogel, Noritate, Metrocream), a topical antibiotic available in cream, lotion or gel form, is often used to treat the condition. Topical sodium sulfacetamide with or without sulfur preparations may be prescribed for rosacea treatment. Topical azeleic acid gel may also be helpful.

If rosacea doesn't respond to these treatments, or if cystic lesions form, tetracycline or other oral antibiotics usually control it. In addition, isotretinoin (Accutane), a powerful oral medication usually prescribed for cystic acne, is sometimes used in cases of severe inflammatory rosacea. Accutane has been linked to a number of side effects, including a possible association with depression or suicide. Discuss these risks with your healthcare professional.

You can reduce the redness of rosacea with make-up foundation that has a green tint or by undergoing laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) or electrosurgery treatment. These destroy the dilated blood vessels which reduces the redness.