Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic condition that responds well to treatment, especially early treatment.

The pimples (papules and pustules) can be controlled with medications. Some of the redness may also go away when the number of pimples is reduced. Medications, however, won’t improve tiny, broken blood vessels or knobby nose bumps. To prevent these symptoms, flushing and blushing need to be controlled by avoiding your “triggers.” Your health care professional can advise you about the treatment that will work best for you.

Treatment can be topical or oral.

Topical therapies may be prescribed. A topical medicine commonly prescribed in the treatment of rosacea is metronidazole cream.

Topical steroids are sometimes used on a short-term basis to help control the redness associated with rosacea. Long-term use of steroids may actually worsen rosacea and can cause other problems.

Oral therapies may be prescribed. Your health care professional may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline.

Sometimes, your health care professional may prescribe a combination of oral and topical therapies.

If you experience side effects with any of your medications, including facial irritation or worsening of your rosacea, please consult a health care professional.

Over-the-counter medications are not effective for the treatment of rosacea and can irritate your skin or worsen your rosacea. If you suspect you have rosacea, talk to your health care professional.