Rosacea Treatments

Anyone suffering from rosacea should be under the care of a dermatologist who will prescribe the best treatment. However there are many things that a sufferer can do themselves to help alleviate their symptoms. The most important of these is to take not to put anything on the skin that will cause irritation and to protect the skin from the sun at all times. Many rosacea skin care products are available that are soothing to the skin and contain natural ingredients to help in the healing process and to reduce redness.

Dermatologists usually start with a combination treatment. Initially drugs are used to have a quick effect and to bring the worst of the symptoms under control. A short course of oral antibiotics is prescribed including erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline and azithromycin which help to heal the pustules often associated with rosacea and control flare ups.

Rosacea Treatments

Topical medicines are then used to boost the effect of the antibiotics and to keep the condition under control in the long term. The most common medicines used are sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur, azaleic acid and metronidazole. They can be prescribes as creams, gels or lotions and are effective at reducing redness of the skin. they have an anti-inflammatory effect and are also anti-oxidants and will reduce the occurrence of flare ups.

Some sufferers may find that they do not respond well to the above treatments or may have a very severe from of rosacea that has led to disfigurement. In these cases other options are available. These include laser therapy to treat the visible blood vessels, dermabrasion and plastic surgery. Dermabrasion leaves the skin smoother and clearer by removing the affected top layer of the skin. Plastic surgery is used to remove the excess tissue that can build up with rosacea and repair any badly damaged areas of the face.

Looking After Your Skin

Properly cleansing the skin is important for long term care and to reduce flare ups. Mild cleansers that will not irritate the skin should be used and there are many rosacea skin care products that are made especially for sufferers of this condition. They should be non abrasive and chemical additive free. Do not use harsh wash cloths on the skin as this can damage the sensitive skin even more. Always use a high factor sunscreen when out side, even on dull days.

Conclusion

Although there is no cure for rosacea the symptoms can be effectively controlled through the use of topical medicines and appropriate rosacea skin care products.