How can I treat rosacea myself?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Self-treatment is vital to managing rosacea day to day. Rosacea is a chronic (long-term), persistent acne-like skin condition that usually affects middle-aged and older adults. There is no cure for rosacea. The way to control rosacea symptoms is to use daily self-care, avoid rosacea triggers such as the sun and hot beverages, and use medical treatments if necessary. Here is an example of a rosacea self-treatment regimen:

Wash your face twice a day with gentle cleansers or soaps. After washing, pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Avoid using fragranced products and abrasive materials on your skin.
Use only skin products that are approved for rosacea skin (your doctor can guide you on the use).
Avoid using water that is too hot or too cold when you bathe or wash your face.
Avoid personal rosacea triggers such as sun exposure, emotional stress, extremes in temperature, wind, humidity, heavy exercise, red wine and other alcohol, hot baths, coffee, and spicy foods.
Use rosacea medications and topical therapies as prescribed by your doctor.

Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD

Dermatology

Always wear sunblock, and know your personal rosacea triggers so you can avoid them. Gravitate toward using anti-redness cleanser and a moisturizer that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as allantoin, aloe, or chamomile. Anyone with moderate to severe rosacea should see a dermatologist, who can get this chronic situation under control with medications.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Rosacea

This chronic skin condition causes swelling of the blood vessels beneath the facial skin, causing redness, spider-like blood vessels or acne-like blemishes. Fair-skinned people, people between ages 30 and 50, and women are more prone to developing rosacea, which is physically harmless but often embarrassing. Other symptoms include a tendency to blush easily, bloodshot or watery eyes, and a red, bulbous nose. Although there is no cure, oral or topical antibiotics can control flare-ups. So can wearing sunscreen daily, reducing stress and limiting your intake of hot beverages, alcohol and spicy foods.

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