Rosacea is skin condition that can cause inflammation, redness, bumps or pustules to appear on the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, if left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive. In most people, however, rosacea occurs in cycles and may flare up for weeks or months before clearing up. These flare ups can be mistaken for other common skin conditions like acne, allergies and eczema. Rosacea cannot be cured, but can be treated to relieve the symptoms. One "best" treatment cannot be identified, however, as each individual's skin condition may respond differently. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), diagnosis is crucial because each condition has its own signs and symptoms that often require different therapies.
Diet Modifications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several treatments can be prescribed by a doctor to help improve rosacea. Diet modifications are sometimes needed, and for some individuals, can greatly diminish the redness associated with rosacea. Avoiding foods that dilate the blood vessels, such as caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol, are simple ways to help the condition.
Sunscreen and Topical Creams
For those who experience redness, flushing and visible blood vessels, sunscreen may be the first step in treatment. A non-irritating sunscreen and a barrier-repair emollient can be applied twice a day, and used indefinitely, according to AAD. Other topical creams can also be effective. Retinoid creams, sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur, azelaic acid and metronidazole are topical medications that can reduce inflammation and control rosacea.
Oral Medications
According to The AAD, rosacea that is characterized by bumps and pus-filled lesions tends to respond well to treatment. Combination therapies can produce the best results. Improvements can be fast and effective with the use of oral medications and topical creams. Topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, sulfur lotions, sulfacetamide and azelaic acid are examples of effective topical creams. Oral medications include doxycycline, erythromycin, minocycline, tetracycline and non-antibiotic formulas, like non-antibiotic dosage doxycycline. Oral medications often yield the fastest results, according to AAD.
