Many people with rosacea are unfamiliar with it and do not recognize it in its early stages. Identifying the disease is the first step to controlling it. Self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended, as some over-the-counter skin applications may make the problem worse.
Dermatologists often recommend a combination of treatments tailored to the individual patient. Together, these treatments can stop the progress of rosacea and sometimes reverse it.
Gels and creams may be prescribed by a dermatologist. A slight improvement can be seen in the first three to four weeks of use. Greater improvement is usually noticed in two months.
Oral antibiotics tend to produce faster results than topical medications.
Cortisone creams may reduce the redness of rosacea. However, they should not be used for longer than two weeks and strong preparations should be avoided. It is best to use these creams only under the direction of your dermatologist.
The persistent redness may be treated with a small electric needle or by laser surgery to close off the dilated blood vessels. Cosmetics may offer an alternative to the more specific treatment. Green tinted makeup may mask the redness.
It’s important to eliminate factors that cause additional skin irritation. Daily facial products such as soap, moisturizers and sunscreens should be free of alcohol or other irritating ingredients. Moisturizers used along with topical medications should be applied very gently after the medication has dried. When going outdoors, especially on warm sunny days, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are necessary.
The key to successful management of rosacea is early diagnosis and treatment. It is also important to follow all of your dermatologist’s instructions. Rosacea can be treated and controlled if medical advice is sought in the early stages. When left untreated, rosacea will get worse and may be more difficult to treat.
