According to MayoClinic.com, rosacea is a skin condition characterized by a reddening of the face and a rash of whiteheads or bumps filled with pus. This problem affects adults, and its severity can fluctuate from month to month. However, if you do not take action and start treatment for rosacea, it may become increasingly worse over time. While no cure for rosacea exists, certain skin cleansers can help reduce its symptoms.
Significance
Many skin care products, particularly those used to treat acne, have been formulated with ingredients that can exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea and cause excess irritation, according to MayoClinic.com. Applying the correct facial cleanser is imperative for the treatment and control of rosacea's symptoms. Discuss your options with your doctor to help determine which product you should use.
Function
As with any treatment for a chronic condition, skin cleansers for rosacea can be used to help decrease the severity of your symptoms. Applied twice a day, or as directed by your doctor, the cleanser should help reduce redness and inflammation, as well as clear up any rash or pustules. The SmartSkinCare website states that everyone's skin responds differently to rosacea treatments, and that the function of cleansers will be to decrease, not cure, your symptoms.
Types
Cleansers for rosacea can include a gentle, non-medicated cleanser or one that contains benzoyl peroxide or coffee cherry. Gentle cleansers will clear your skin of dirt and oil without causing irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is a medication used to treat acne by reducing the number of pimples you experience, reports MayoClinic.com, and it is available both in the form of a prescription and in over-the-counter soaps and cleansers. Cleansers that contain the antioxidant coffee cherry help to temporarily constrict the blood vessels in your face that cause redness, says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D. Your doctor can help you determine which cleanser is right for you.
Considerations
Certain lifestyle choices can cause rosacea to flare up, even while you are using a proper cleanser. According to MayoClinic.com, these include hot or spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, extreme temperatures, sunlight, stress, hot water and certain types of blood pressure medications. Avoid foods and beverages that exacerbate your symptoms, use a gentle sunscreen every day and wash your face with cool or lukewarm water. Speak with your health care provider about any medications you are taking that may be contributing to the severity of your rosacea, as well as what you can do to manage your stress levels.
Complementary Treatments
The most common topical solution for rosacea will be a cream or gel that contains a medication, such as metronidazole or tretinoin, according to MayoClinic.com. A physician can prescribe metronidazole to decrease facial redness, as well as reduce the number and severity of your pimples. Tretinoin can be used to treat both acne and rosacea, and it works by clearing your pores of the debris that can cause pimples. Your doctor can prescribe these medications to complement your cleanser as he or she sees fit.
Member Comments