What are the treatments OPTIONS for Acne Rosacea?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

The treatment of Acne Rosacea varies according to the type of Acne Rosacea:
 

For All Types of Acne Rosacea
Avoidance of triggers such as sunlight, hairspray, heat, stress, alcohol, and spicy foods

For central facial erythema (redness)
A. Brominoidine 0.33% topical
B. oxymetazoline 1.0% topical

For Acne Rosacea with talngiactases
A. Laser treatment

For Acne Rosacea with papules and pimples
A. Ivermectin 1% cream or gel
B. Azelaic Acid topical (15%)
C. Metronidazole topical
D. Sulfacetamide/Sulfur (10/2% of 10/5%)
E. Doxycyline 40 mg
F. Tetracycline 250-500 mg
G. Azithromycin

For Phymatous (nose changes)
A. isotretinoin
B. laser

For Ocular Manifestation
A. Azithromycin eyedrops
B. ivermectine topical 1%
 

CAUTION:

1. All medication, including all oral antibiotics and all medications that come in lotions, ointment, and creams have a risk of side effects.

2. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.

3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.

4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ROSACEA?

Symptoms vary according to the 4 different phases of Rosacea
 

1. Pre-rosacea phase (phase 1): The skin over the cheeks and nose becomes flushed for an abnormally long periods of time; it may have a stinging sensation.

2. Vascular phase (phase 2): The skin appears red and swollen, with small blood vessels visible just below the surface (called telangiectasia).
 

3. Inflammatory phase (phase 3): Often small pimples develop, sometimes with some pus (called pustules).
 

4. Late phase (phase 4): In some people, the skin around the nose occasionally thickens, making it look red and bulbous (called rhinophyma).


 

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF ACNE ROSACEA?

The exact cause of Acne Rosacea has not been determined at this time.

 

HOW IS ACNE ROSACEA DIAGNOSED?

Acne Rosacea can be diagnosed by taking a careful history and a visually inspecting the skin.