Login or Register

Over the Counter Medications for Rosacea

Mar 30, 2011 | By Bonnie Vanaman
Over the Counter Medications for Rosacea
Photo Credit face image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com

Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease marked by facial redness, broken capillaries, pimples and pustules, afflicts an estimated 14 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. The cause of rosacea still isn't understood, but there are many prescription topical and oral medications dermatologists prescribe for their patients to treat rosacea symptoms. Most of these tend to be quite expensive, but fortunately there are some over-the-counter products that may also be helpful.

Please consult your physician before attempting to treat rosacea with herbal remedies.

Aspirin

Ohio State University dermatologist Joseph B. Bikowski believes that aspirin should be the first line of defense against facial redness and flushing. In a study on his own patients, he had them take a low-dose 81-mg daily aspirin, the same amount many doctors prescribe to prevent strokes and heart disease, and within a month many patients experienced less flushing and shorter episodes of redness.

Aveeno Ultra Calming with Feverfew

Feverfew is an herb long associated in folk medicine with anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains parthenolide, however, a component known to cause skin irritation. A parthenolide-free extract of feverfew was developed, and in a study published in a 2004 in the journal "European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology," 45 days of treatment with a 1-percent extract solution found in Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Ultracalming improved mild inflammatory acne.

Eucerin Redness Relief

Licorice has been used in folk medicine since the time of the ancient Greeks, and scientists now know that its healing properties are due to glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice that reduces inflammation and soothes irritation. Licochalcone A, derived from glycyrrhizin, is an ingredient in Eucerin Redness Relief, proven to provide significant improvements in redness within four to eight weeks, in a study published in 2006 in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology."

Karen's Botanicals Green Tea Serum

Green tea is often touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, usually ingested as a beverage. But green tea extract has also been shown to reduce the disruption of the skin barrier often seen in rosacea and can help reduce the number and appearance of telangiectasias, or small dilated blood vessels. Skin products are being developed with green tea as an ingredient, such as Karen's Botanicals Green Tea Serum, which also contains soothing oils such as aloe vera.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has been examined for its anti-inflammatory properties, including a laboratory study on mice at Egypt's Ain Shams University. Jojoba oil is similar to the natural oil produced by the skin's own sebaceous glands, which makes it easily absorbed into the skin and it won't clog the pores. You can find products such as Desert Essence Organic Jojoba Oil at most health food stores.

Prosacea

Prosacea is a topical homeopathic gel, available over the counter at stores such as Walgreens and CVS. It contains a 10 percent solution of sulphur, as well as aloe and moisturizers, that may help diminish common rosacea symptoms of redness, bumps and dryness.

Rosacea-LTD

Rosacea-LTD can help soothe and condition the skin, reducing the appearance of facial redness, telangectasias and papules. The ingredients include zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, sodium chloride, iron oxide, copper oxide, polyethylene glycol and sulfur. Although Rosacea-LTD doesn't require a prescription, it's only available via the Internet or mail order and tends to be more expensive than other non-prescription preparations.

References

Article reviewed by demand68117 Last updated on: Mar 30, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries