To treat rosacea, a combination of medical therapies and lifestyle adjustments is typically used:
Medical Treatments
Topical Medications:
- Brimonidine gel (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline cream (Rhofade) reduce facial redness by constricting blood vessels and can be applied daily to manage persistent redness
- Azelaic acid (Finacea) and metronidazole (Metrogel, Noritate) are effective for acne-like breakouts and inflammation; results may take weeks to appear
- Ivermectin cream has anti-inflammatory and anti-mite effects, useful for pimples and inflammation
- Other topical options include tretinoin cream (used cautiously), sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur, and encapsulated benzoyl peroxide for acne-like symptoms
Oral Medications:
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline help reduce inflammation and treat moderate to severe rosacea
- Isotretinoin, a powerful oral acne medication, is reserved for severe cases unresponsive to other treatments but requires strict pregnancy precautions
Laser and Light Therapies:
- Laser treatments and intense pulsed light therapy can improve redness and visible blood vessels, often more effectively than topical or oral medications
Lifestyle and Natural Remedies
- Avoid known rosacea triggers such as sun exposure, extreme temperatures, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress.
- Use gentle skin care products and moisturizers.
- Natural remedies like aloe vera, chamomile, feverfew, green tea, niacinamide, oatmeal, raw honey, and turmeric may soothe skin and reduce inflammation, but should be used with caution and discussed with a doctor
Additional Support
- Corrective makeup can help conceal redness and improve self-confidence
- Regular follow-up with a dermatologist is important to tailor treatment and manage symptoms effectively
Rosacea cannot be cured but can be controlled with consistent treatment and lifestyle management
. Improvement is usually gradual, and combining therapies often yields the best results
