Rosacea affects over 16 million people in America only, most of whom are women even though men too can suffer from this skin condition. Rosacea mainly affects the skin around the nose and cheeks and is characterized by acne-like pimples, redness, inflammation and flushing of the skin.
Rosacea is incurable but it can be controlled. Its symptoms tend to remain latent for a while before flaring up. The latent period varies from person to person—in some people Rosacea can be triggered by the slightest stimuli while in others the symptoms only appear occasionally.
Common Rosacea symptoms include changes in weather, alcohol, stress, some cosmetics and certain types of food. If not properly treated, Rosacea symptoms tend to worsen over time. It is common for untreated Rosacea to progress from mild to severe scars that look like acne pimples.
Treating Rosacea Acne
There is no known cure for Rosacea. The only way to completely eliminate this skin condition is through laser surgery whose aim is to destroy the affected blood vessels. Even then, it is still possible for the affected blood vessels to grow back.
The best way to live with Rosacea is to learn how to keep the condition under control. Treatment should also entail eliminating acne pimples that can be disfiguring if left to fester.
A common stubborn recommendation treatment for stubborn skin condition is the use of steroids. However, you should steer away from using steroids for Rosacea treatment because these can make your skin thinner and exacerbate the appearance of your Rosacea.
Best Treatment for Rosacea Acne
Rosacea that is characterized by acne-like spots is also known as Rosacea papulopustula. This skin condition best responds to mild antibiotics. Dermatologists usually recommend antibiotics such as minocycline. Minocycline can be taken together with a topical application of Soolantra cream although both require a doctor’s prescription.
A natural way for minimizing redness and inflammation is pressing an ice-cube on the affected skin.
While these treatments are great, the best way to treat Rosacea acne is to stay away from common triggers. If weather triggers your Rosacea acne breakout, covering your skin when going out could help.
Food, especially spicy food, is a major trigger for Rosacea; keeping track of the food you eat will help you avoid those that aggravate your condition. Avoid spicy foods and hot drinks as these typically cause your skin to flush.
Some people flare up as a result of engaging in intense exercise activities. If this is the case for you, lowering the intensity of your exercise activities can help to minimize the incidences of flaring up.
Wear the right sunscreen each time you go out into the sun. It is also important that you watch out for the effects of the cosmetics you use including soaps and moisturizers. It’s best to use mild soap and unscented moisturizers. Take a look at our sunscreen recommendations for Rosacea.
Some medicines such as calcium channel blockers can worsen Rosacea—speak to your doctor about this if you think certain medications could be triggering your Rosacea acne breakout.
Avoid picking at your acne cysts; this only aggravates the condition. Applying a topical antibiotic can help soothe the inflammation and clear out the cysts. Prescription antibiotics from a dermatologist are required for treatment of severe Rosacea acne. To notice any significant results, you will need an antibiotic treatment lasting for about 12 weeks.
Topical creams can help to clear acne scars left after getting rid of the cysts. Most of these creams contain azelaic acid but these can result in itchy, dry skin. Speak to your doctor on how to best treat Rosacea acne—based on the severity and nature of your condition, they will recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Rosacea can affect anyone. Poor hygiene or substance abuse does not cause this skin condition—the real cause and cure for Rosacea are still unknown. However, it is entirely possible to manage Rosacea. Begin treatment early and keep up with it consistently to avoid excessive damage to your skin.
For more Rosacea-related content, please take a look at our recommendations for the best makeup for Rosacea, the best facial cleansers for Rosacea or how to use homeopathy for Rosacea.