Rosacea Treatments

Part of Skin Disorder Education

Rosacea is a very common skin disorder that affects approximately 45 million people worldwide. The most commonly affected population are individuals with fair skin. The most common symptoms of rosacea include red and pink patches, visible blood vessels, and small red bumps. These small bumps are usually pus filled, which is why this condition has garnered the name “adult-acne”. However, unlike acne, extraction serves no benefit, and can further inflame the rosacea. Adults generally do not out grow rosacea, so learning to manage it can be crucial. 

Here are a few clinical and unorthodox treatments for Rosacea. 

Topical- these are common antibacterial treatments for rosacea. While bacteria does not cause rosacea, antibacterial creams may help prevent the inflammation and pus build up associated with rosacea. The list below is merely for educational purposes and not intended as a treatment recommendation. 

• Topical metronidazole (MetroCream or MetroGel) is an antibiotic cream and a very common rosacea treatment. Other antibiotic creams include clindamycin (Cleocin and Clinda-Derm) and erythromycin (Emgel and Erygel). 
• Brimonidine (Mirvaso) is another option and may work by constricting the dilated facial blood vessels to reduce the redness of rosacea. 
• Azelaic acid (Azelex and Finacea) and sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur (Clenia and Plexion). 
• Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A), a retinoid, is used in some hard to treat cases. 
• These topical treatments have some side effects and some may not be safe for pregnant women.

Natural Treatments- Below is a list of natural remedies to aid in treatment of the symptoms of rosacea. However, not all remedies work for every individual, and may interfere with topical or oral medications. All of the treatments listed below are intended for topical use only.Talk to your doctor before trying out any natural remedies. 

•  Diet- one of the most basic ways to reduce rosacea is by maintaing a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables Camphor oil is known for its anti-microbial and soothing effects 
• Chamomile- Chamomile compresses can be made at home with chamomile tea and is well known for its antibacterial properties 
• Lavender oil- known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties Green tea- green tea is well known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 
• Licorice- known to improve dermatitis 
• Oatmeal- rubbing oatmeal into the affected areas of the skin can help reduce inflammation 
• Tea tree oil- Similar to lavender, tea tree oil is also well known for its antiseptic properties. 

 Avoid 

• Alcohol 
• Sugars
• Consuming starches often 
• Caffeine 
• Spicy foods 

Spa treatments and products- the following spa treatments and products have been known to aid in reducing rosacea. Consult your doctor before trying any of these. Getting a spa treatment really depends on the severity of your rosacea. Most sources recommend facials without any steam and very gentle product use. LED treatment has shown promising results in the treatment of rosacea.