Treatment for Rosacea

1. Avoidance of exacerbating factors:
It is important to avoid things that make you flush or cause flare-ups. Extremes of heat and cold, sunlight, emotional stress, hot beverages, alcohol, and spicy foods are common triggers. Gentle, non-irritating skincare products should be used.

2. Topical Medications:
A common topical antibiotic prescribed is metronidazole (Rozex). Another prescription medication is azelaic acid (Skinoren), which reduces redness and inflammation.

3. Oral Medications:
Oral antibiotics help to control the inflammatory process of Rosacea. Some of the most common prescription oral antibiotics include tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and erythromycin. Isotretinoin (Oratane / Roaccutane / Accutane) is a powerful medication which is used only for more severe cases of inflammatory rosacea. Oral treatment does mean a cure, but is very useful when Rosacea is active.

4. Lasers and Other Light-based Therapies:
While topical or oral therapies do not remove the redness or reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels associated with rosacea, vascular lasers and intense pulsed light therapy are now being used to treat the condition. Blood vessels are specifically targeted with these treatments, resulting in their collapse. Your dermatologist can advise on which treatment is most suitable for your condition:
 - Laser Facials (PDL, KTP)
 - Intense Pulsed Light
 - Photodynamic therapy (Laser / Intense Pulsed Light treatment enhanced by ALA, a photo-sensitizing medication)

　

Rosacea

What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition characterized by redness of the face. It may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily and progress to persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Persistent dilated blood vessels (broken veins), acne-like spots and nodules may become present. Some also notice their skin to be sensitive and irritable. Rosacea can be exacerbated by exposure to extremes of heat and cold, sunlight, emotional stress, hot beverages, alcohol, spicy foods and certain skin care products.
Rosacea sometimes also involves the eyes giving rise to symptoms like redness, dryness, itching, burning, tears, and the sensation of having sand in the eye.

　

What Causes Rosacea?
The exact cause of rosacea is not yet determined. Some researchers believe that rosacea is a disorder where blood vessels simply dilate too easily, resulting in flushing and redness