Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness and in some cases small blemishes or pimples. Its symptoms can become worse over time, causing sufferers to seek out a rosacea skin treatment that can minimize symptoms. Dermatologists generally are able to diagnose rosacea on sight and don't usually need to wait for test results before prescribing treatment. Different types of rosacea skin treatment include oral and topical antibiotics and other medicines, skin care products formulated for sensitive skin, lifestyle changes, and in some cases surgery.
Topical antibiotic ointments are often prescribed for rosacea, though in some cases oral antibiotics might be necessary. Metronidazole is perhaps the best known topical rosacea skin treatment. In cases where significant acne-like blemishes are present, a dermatologist may recommend the use of over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide. Rosacea patients are often cautioned to use an effective sunscreen daily and to protect their skin from sunlight and harsh winds by use of scarves and hats. In cases where the rosacea also affects the eyes, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed.
A significant aspect of rosacea skin treatment is the patient's willingness to adopt specific lifestyle changes that can reduce the symptoms of rosacea. Doctors will often ask patients to keep a journal of when their rosacea symptoms get worse. Patients are asked to pay particular attention to their activities and diet around the time when their symptoms are aggravated. Many people find that rosacea symptoms are triggered by diet, particularly the consumption of alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Others report that vigorous exercise, harsh skin cleansers, and unfamiliar cosmetic brands, as well as stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to extremes of heat and cold can trigger flare-ups.
Sometimes doctors will resort to various types of surgical rosacea skin treatment, particularly if the condition becomes disfiguring. Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion may be used to resurface skin and treat bumps and redness. Dermabrasion and more invasive plastic surgeries may also be used to treat rhinophyma, a serious side effect of rosecea that affects the nose. In this condition, the nose becomes bulbous, discolored, and misshapen. This condition usually affects men and is often mistakenly associated with alcoholism. While rosacea flare-ups and symptoms can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption, many sufferers, even those with the most serious symptoms, do not drink.