A large part of rosacea treatment is self-care, which includes using sunscreen, practicing good skin care, and using a mild moisturizer. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. Medications and laser surgery may also be used to treat the condition. Without proper rosacea treatment, the disease may progress to a more disfiguring condition.
Rosacea Treatment: An Overview
Although there is no
rosacea cure, the condition can be treated and controlled. The goal of
rosacea treatment is to control symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin.
Many people can reduce or eliminate the need for
rosacea medication by practicing good skin care and avoiding factors that may cause a flare-up. If medications are needed, it may take several weeks or months of treatment before an improvement in the skin is noticed. However, without proper care, rosacea may progress to a more disfiguring condition.
Medications Used in Rosacea Treatment
Some doctors will prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as metronidazole, which is applied directly to the affected skin, for rosacea treatment.
For people with more severe cases, doctors often prescribe an antibiotic that is taken by mouth, such as
tetracycline,
minocycline, erythromycin, or
doxycycline. The papules (pink bumps) and pustules (bumps filled with pus) symptomatic of rosacea may respond quickly to this treatment. However, the redness and flushing are less likely to improve.
Medication for acne is effective in about three-quarters of patients within a few months after starting treatment. Some patients also find that antibiotic treatment not only relieves their acne, but also decreases facial redness.
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