5 Things You Need to Know About Rosacea Medications

1. Rosacea Medications: A Strong Offense is the Best Defense

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that is common worldwide. Due to a lack of rosacea awareness, many people may disregard the initial symptoms as a pimple on the nose or blushing on the cheeks. However, the papules of rosacea do not have whiteheads or blackheads, and the onset is usually in adults between 30 and 50. The chronic skin condition, for which there is no cure, will get worse over time without rosacea treatment, sometimes involving the eyes or disfiguring the nose of men. A dermatologist can make a proper diagnosis and prescribe rosacea medications to keep it from spreading.

2. Topical Antibiotics are a Popular Rosacea Treatment

Topical antibiotics, such as metronidazole or azelaic acid, are effective for improving many cases of rosacea. After washing your face, you apply the medication once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. Topical antibiotics can take several weeks to show marked improvement. Ask your doctor about any possible side effects and contact the doctor or pharmacist if you experience any troublesome symptoms after starting the medication.

3. Oral Antibiotics for Moderate Rosacea

For patients with moderate rosacea or those who do not respond well to topical antibiotics alone, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as amoxicillin or tetracycline. Generally, a physician will start you on a high dose and gradually reduce it as your skin responds. You should speak with your doctor about the pros and cons of taking an antibiotic long-term to treat rosacea, as well as any possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

4. Steroids and Rosacea Inflammation

Doctors approach the use of topical steroids as a rosacea treatment cautiously because a possibility exists that the steroid can cause a rosacea flare-up. However, steroids are effective at reducing inflammation, which is the goal with this skin condition. Short-term use of cortisone at a low strength may be helpful in some cases. Dermatologists may also prescribe the use of Retin-A or isotretinoin. The latter requires close monitoring and blood tests, and doctors usually reserve its use for severe cases of rosacea.

5. Gentle Face Cleansers

A dermatologist may prescribe a gentle face wash or a sulfur cleanser as part of a rosacea skin care regimen. In addition, he might suggest an over-the-counter face wash. The sulfur cleansers are antibacterial and are a drying agent that helps the top layer of skin to shed. Anyone allergic to sulfa-based medications should not use these washes. Be gentle with your face when cleansing or applying a topical medication. Vigorous rubbing of the face can cause redness and act as a trigger for rosacea flare-ups.