There is presently no cure for rosacea. However, there are a variety of safe and effective treatments that reduce its appearance and prevent further progression. Rosacea can worsen and become more difficult to treat if left untreated.
Treatment options for rosacea include the following:
- lifestyle modifications and rosacea skin care measures.
- rosacea medications, applied to the skin or taken by mouth
- laser and light therapies, and
- surgical procedures. These are used mostly for advanced cases.
Your doctor will recommend a rosacea treatment plan based on the following:
- The rosacea subtype(s) you have developed. The optimal treatments for the redness/facial flushing of rosacea type 1 are different from the treatments for the bumps and pustules of rosacea type 2. Similarly the treatment of ocular symptoms (rosacea type 3) requires different approaches.
- The severity of your rosacea
- Your skin type (light vs. dark, oily vs. dry)
- Results from previous treatments, including side effects
- Your personal preferences
If left untreated, chronic rosacea can lead to rhinophyma (nose enlargement) and skin thickening, which are more difficult to treat. Your doctor may recommend procedures to reshape areas, such as your nose or forehead, to a more normal appearance.
What to Expect from Rosacea Treatments
It takes time for rosacea medications and other therapies to work, but many rosacea treatments will show results within the first 2 months. Your doctor can provide a reasonable estimate of results, depending on the treatment(s) prescribed and any lifestyle changes you make.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Sticking to your rosacea treatment can help reduce the chances of experiencing another flare-up and keep your rosacea under control.
It is important to continue with your treatment regimen and lifestyle modification even if your rosacea clears up.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 1/8/2019