Managing Rosacea: Medical, Lifestyle, Aesthetic Approaches

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation of the facial skin that causes the skin to look flushed and swollen. In some cases, papules or pimples may be present, and symptoms may affect the nose, eyelids, and cheeks. Being a chronic condition, rosacea can flare up anytime or when the skin is exposed to certain triggers. Although rosacea is not dangerous to one’s health, it often causes discomfort, affects quality of life, and lowers one’s self-esteem.

Like with the treatment for eczema, rosacea cannot be totally cured, but it can be treated by getting the symptoms under control. A treatment plan for someone with rosacea may include self-care, medical treatments, as well as cosmetic treatments, some of which are outlined below.

Medical treatments for rosacea

Topical drugs

Creams or gels are typically prescribed to rosacea patients to soothe skin inflammation and reduce redness. Common drugs for this purpose include Brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade), which work by constricting the blood vessels to reduce inflammation. However, the effects are temporary, so medication must be applied regularly to keep the symptoms under control.

For cases of rosacea that include pimples, topical products like azelaic acid (Skinoren, Finacea), metronidazole (Metrogel, Rozex), and ivermectin (Soolantra) may be used to treat and reduce the occurrence of pimples.

Oral medication

Oral medications can also be prescribed to treat pimples and bumps in persons with rosacea. These may range from antibiotics like doxycycline to acne-fighting drugs like isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Oratane). However, these drugs should be taken with care as some of them have dangerous side effects when taken incorrectly.

Self-care treatments for rosacea

Cleanse and moisturise daily

Cleansing and moisturising are important steps for persons with rosacea, as they help remove irritants and bacteria and strengthen the skin barrier to reduce dryness, peeling, and roughness¹. To avoid irritating already-tender skin, use a mild facial cleanser and pat dry with a clean, soft towel after. Avoid using exfoliants or scrubs, which may aggravate swelling and harm the skin barrier.

Use sun protection

One of the most commonly reported triggers for rosacea flare-ups is exposure to the sun². Besides avoiding prolonged sun exposure and going out in the heat of the day, persons with rosacea can benefit from wearing sunscreen as an additional protection against UV radiation.

Avoid irritants on the skin

Some common ingredients in skincare products and cosmetics can irritate the skin and cause rosacea flare-ups. Surveys by the US National Rosacea Society cite the most common rosacea-triggering ingredients to be alcohol, fragrances, menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil³. However, triggers differ from person to person, so it is vital to be aware of your own triggers.

Cosmetic treatments for rosacea

Laser therapy

Some types of laser or light therapies, such as the pulsed-dye laser or intense pulsed light, have been found to help with lightening the redness in rosacea patients. The American Academy of Dermatologists reports that patients generally see a 50 to 75% reduction in redness symptoms after three to four laser treatments⁴. Regular follow-up treatments may however be needed to maintain the skin’s appearance.

Conclusion

Managing rosacea symptoms usually requires a combination of approaches for optimum results. As everyone’s rosacea differs, we recommend you visit a dermatology clinic to get a comprehensive assessment of your type of rosacea, your skin type, and possible triggers for your condition.

At Angeline Yong Dermatology, Dr Yong is able to assess your condition and recommend a personalised treatment plan for you based on her wealth of experience. Contact us today to begin your journey towards happier skin and a more confident you.

References

Zip, C. (2017). The role of skin care in optimizing treatment of acne and rosacea. Skin Therapy Letter, 22(3), 5–7.

Buddenkotte, J., & Steinhoff, M. (2018). Recent advances in understanding and managing rosacea [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]. F1000Research, 7, F1000 Faculty Rev-1885. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.16537.1

Rosacea skin care & cosmetics. Rosacea.org. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care-and-cosmetics

Lasers and lights: How well do they treat rosacea? American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/treatment/lasers-lights

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Managing Rosacea: Medical, Lifestyle, Aesthetic Approaches