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Treatments for Rosacea

Treatments for Rosacea

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Rosacea includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Antibiotics
  • Topical antibiotic
  • Metronidazole
  • Topical metronidazole
  • Oral antibiotic
  • Tetracycline
  • Minocycline
  • Erythromycin
  • Doxycycline
• Isotretinoin - for severe cases; women must avoid pregnancy during treatment.
• Eyelid hygiene
• Surgery
  • Electrosurgery
  • Laser surgery
  • Nose surgery - for rhinophyma
• Avoid triggers that worsen rosacea
  • Avoid triggers of facial flushing
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid heat
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Avoid sunlight
  • Avoid UV light
  • Sunscreens - daily use helps avoid UVA and UVB light.
  • Avoid wind
  • Avoid cold
  • Avoid hot drinks
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Avoid spicy foods
  • Avoid emotional stress
  • Avoid coughing
  • Avoid certain facial products
  • Symptom diary - helps to identify what triggers rosacea flares.
  • Avoid certain steroid creams
• Avoid topical steroids
• Oral tetracyline
• Carbon dioxide laser
• Plastic surgery
• Cosmetic camouflage
• Dermatologist referral
• Before the initiation of therapy, the triggering factors that exacerbate the patient's rosacea should be identified and avoided if possible
• Sunscreen
• Nonablative laser therapy
• Vascular lasers
• Pulse dyed laser
• Potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser
• Diode-pumped frequency doubled laser
• Immunosuppressants
• Tacrolimus
• Antibiotics
• Aazithromycin
• Zithromax
• Metronidazole
• Metrogel
• Noritate
• Protostat

Rosacea: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Rosacea may include:

• Acne vulgaris
• seborrheic dermatitis
• Topical steroid use
• more diagnoses...»

Rosacea: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Rosacea:

• Rash
• more product offers...»

Curable Types of Rosacea

Possibly curable types of Rosacea may include:

• Acne vulgaris induced
• Rhinophyma related to rosacea
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis related to rosacea
• more curable types...»

Rosacea: Research Doctors & Specialists

• Face / Facial / Oral Health Specialists:
  • Oral Pathology
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Facial Plastic Surgery
• Teen Health Specialists:
  • Adolescent Medicine (Teen Health)
  • Pediatric / Adolescent Psychiatry
• Immune-Related Disease Specialists (Immunology):
  • Allergy & Immunology (Allergies & Immune Diseases)
  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (Child Allergies & Immune Diseases)
  • Immunopathology
  • Dermatological Immunology / Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Clinical & Laboratory Immunology
• Skin Health Specialists (Dermatology):
  • Dermatology (Skin Health Specialists)
  • Dermatopathology
  • Pediatric Dermatology (Child Skin Health)
  • Dermatological Immunology / Diagnostic Laboratory (Skin Allergies)
• more specialists...»

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Rosacea:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Rosacea include:

• Azelaic Acid
• Azelec
• Finacea
• Cutacelan
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Benzac
• Benzac AC
• Benzac AC Wash
• Benzac W
• Benzac W Wash
• Benzagel
• Benzagel Wash
• Benzashave
• Brevoxyl
• Brevoxyl Cleansing
• Brevoxyl Wash
• Clearplex
• Clinac BPO
• Del Aqua
• Desquam-E
• Desquam-X
• Exact Acne Medication
• Fostex 10% BPO
• Loroxide
• Neutrogena Acne Mask
• Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment
• Oxy 10 Balanced Medicated Face Wash
• Oxy 10 Balance Spot Treatment
• Palmer's Skin Success Acne
• PanOxyl
• PanOxyl-AQ
• PanOxyl Aqua Gel
• Pan Oxyl Bar
• Seba-Gel
• Triaz
• Triaz Cleanser
• Zapzyt
• Acetoxyl
• Benoxyl
• Benzac W Gel
• Benzaderm
• Solugel
• Loteprednol
• Alrex
• Lotemax
• Sulfur and Sulfacetamide
• AVAR
• AVAR Cleanser
• AVAR Green
• Clenia
• Nocosyn
• Plexion
• Plexion SCT
• Plexion TS
• Rosanil
• Rosula
• Sulfacet
• Zetacet
• Sulfacet-R

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Rosacea:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Rosacea include:

• Isotretinoin - mainly used in refractory cases
• Accutane - mainly used in refractory cases

Hospital statistics for Rosacea:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Rosacea:

• 0.003% (336) of hospital consultant episodes were for rosacea in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 99% of hospital consultant episodes for rosacea required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 62% of hospital consultant episodes for rosacea were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 38% of hospital consultant episodes for rosacea were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• 6% of hospital consultant episodes for rosacea required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
• more hospital information...»

Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Rosacea

Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Rosacea:

• Child Health (Pediatrics) -- Hospital Quality Ratings
• more hospital ratings...»

Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »

Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Rosacea, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:

• 50 Best Hospitals Report
• Women's Health Best Hospitals
• Patient Safety
• Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence Study (2009)

Discussion of treatments for Rosacea:

Questions and Answers About Rosacea: NIAMS (Excerpt)

While rosacea cannot be cured, it can be treated and controlled. A dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin, often treats rosacea. Treatment goals are to control the condition and improve appearance. Doctors usually prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as metronidazole, that is applied directly to the affected skin.

For people with more severe cases, doctors often prescribe an oral (taken by mouth) antibiotic. Tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline are the most common antibiotics used to treat rosacea. Some people respond quickly, while others require long-term therapy.

Isotretinoin may be considered as a treatment option for all forms of severe or therapy-resistant rosacea. However, isotretinoin is linked to a number of adverse effects, some of which can be severe. The most serious potential adverse effect is that it is teratogenic; that is, it can cause birth defects in pregnant women who take it. Therefore, it is crucial that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking isotretinoin. Women must use an appropriate birth control method 1 month before the initiation of therapy, during the entire course of therapy, and until 2 months after cessation of the drug. The doctor will order a blood pregnancy test before therapy is started and every month during therapy.

Doctors usually treat the eye problems of rosacea with oral antibiotics, particularly tetracycline or doxycycline. People who develop infections of the eyelids must practice frequent lid hygiene. Doctors recommend scrubbing the eyelids gently with diluted baby shampoo or an over-the-counter eyelid cleaning product and applying warm (not hot) compresses several times a day.

Electrosurgery and laser surgery may be options to treat redness, enlarged blood vessels, and rhinophyma. In some patients, laser surgery may result in improved skin appearance with little scarring or damage. For patients with rhinophyma, several surgical methods may help reduce the size of the nose and improve appearance.

Finally, sunscreens, particularly those that protect against ultraviolet A and B light waves and have a sun-protecting factor (SPF) of 13 or higher, are recommended for all people with rosacea.

Working With Your Doctor To Help Manage Rosacea The role you play in managing your rosacea is just as important as your doctor’s. You can take several steps to keep rosacea under control. Keep a written record of factors that seem to trigger flareups. Develop a plan to avoid or minimize your exposure to these triggers. By doing this, you may actually reduce or eliminate the need for medication to control your rosacea. Use a sunscreen with a sun-protecting factor (SPF) of 13 or higher every day. Avoid using facial cleaning products, moisturizers, and cosmetics with alcohol or other ingredients that irritate your skin. If your eyes are affected, faithfully follow your doctor’s treatment plan and clean your eyelids as instructed. Try to minimize your stress level.

(Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Rosacea: NIAMS)

Acne: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Acne rosacea can usually be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels. The formulas used for these are often different than those used by young women with acne, because the skin of women with acne rosacea tends to be dry, not oily. Sometimes, antibiotic pills need to be taken. All these treatments require a prescription, so consult your health care provider if you think you have acne rosacea. (Source: excerpt from Acne: NWHIC)

Buy Products Related to Treatments for Rosacea

Book Excerpts: Treatment of Rosacea

• Treatment - Acne
• Treatment - Rosacea
• Treatment - Acne vulgaris
• Patient counseling - Papular rash
• Treatment - Acne vulgaris
• Patient counseling - Butterfly rash
• Patient counseling - Papular rash
• Patient counseling - Pustular rash
• Nursing considerations - Butterfly rash
• Nursing considerations - Papular rash
• Nursing considerations - Pustular rash

Treatments of Rosacea: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Rosacea.

Acne: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

• Patient education: Dispel common myths (e.g., acne is not caused by dirt or diet); counsel against behaviors that may worsen acne (e.g., picking at lesions, using oil-containing cosmetics/moisturizers); assess level of psychological distress
• Topical therapies include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, and salicylic acid
• Intralesional steroids may be used to transiently decrease inflammation in severe acne
• Systemic therapies include oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy (low-dose oral contraceptives)
• Isotretinoin (Accutane_^R ) may be used for severe cystic acne unresponsive to conventional therapy
  –Highly teratogenic; absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy

Dermatologist referral for disease that is refractory despite appropriate therapy; consideration of isotretinoin treatment; management of acne scars

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Rosacea: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment for the acneiform component of rosacea consists of oral tetracycline or erythromycin in gradually decreasing doses over 1 to 2 months as symptoms subside. Resistant cases can be treated with oral minocycline or doxycycline. Isotretinoin is also effective, but its use is limited to those with severe disease. Topical metronidazole gel helps the papules, pustules, and erythema. Sulfacet-R lotion, available in flesh tones, controls pustules and hides redness. It can be used alone or together with oral antibiotics. Other treatments include electrolysis to destroy large, dilated blood vessels and removal of excess tissue in patients with rhinophyma. Topical hydrocortisone preparations worsen the condition.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Acne vulgaris: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Current therapy for acne includes topical and oral agents. Topical retinoic acid (tretinoin) is the treatment of choice for noninflammatory acne consisting of open and closed comedones. Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial and is used primarily for inflammatory acne, including papules, pustules, and cysts. Topical antibiotics are effective for mild pustular and comedone acne. Tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, meclocycline, and benzamycin are all available in topical forms. Systemic antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, ampicillin, cephalosporins, co-trimoxazole, and systemic retinoids may help reduce the effects of acne.

Systemic therapy consists primarily of antibiotics, usually tetracycline (which also exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect), to decrease bacterial growth until the patient is in remission; then a lower dosage is used for long-term maintenance.

Alert  Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy because it discolors the teeth of the fetus. Erythromycin and ampicillin are alternatives for these patients. Exacerbation of pustules or abscesses during either type of antibiotic therapy requires a culture to identify a possible secondary bacterial infection.

Oral isotretinoin combats acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and keratinization. However, because of its severe adverse effects, the 16- to 20-week course of isotretinoin is limited to those with severe papulopustular or cystic acne who don’t respond to conventional therapy. Because this drug is known to cause birth defects, the manufacturer, with Food and Drug Administration approval, recommends the following precautions: pregnancy testing before dispensing; dispensing of only a 30-day supply; repeat pregnancy testing throughout the treatment period; effective contraception during treatment; and informed consent of the patient or parents regarding the drug’s adverse effects.

A serum triglyceride level should be measured before therapy with isotretinoin begins and at intervals throughout its course.

Females may benefit from the administration of estrogens to inhibit androgen activity. Improvement rarely occurs before 2 to 4 months, and exacerbations may follow its discontinuation. Unfortunately, the high estrogen doses that are required present a major risk of severe adverse effects.

Other treatments for acne vulgaris include intralesional or oral corticosteroids, vitamin A and zinc supplements, exposure to ultraviolet light (but never when a photosensitizing agent such as tretinoin is being used), cryotherapy, and surgery.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Papular rash: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Advise the patient to keep his skin clean and dry, to wear loose-fitting, nonirritating clothing, and to avoid scratching the rash. Instruct him to promptly report changes in the rash’s color, size, or configuration as well as the onset of itching or bleeding. Tell him to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and to apply a protective sunscreen before going outdoors.

Warn patients with chronic conditions (such as SLE, psoriasis, or sarcoidosis) about the typical skin rashes that can develop. Tell them that these rashes can be an early sign of disease flare-up and that they should seek prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Acne vulgaris: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

Commonly, acne is treated topically with an antibacterial (such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin), alone or in combination with tretinoin (retinoic acid), a keratolytic, or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin may irritate the skin.

Systemic therapy consists primarily of an antibiotic, usually tetracycline, to decrease bacterial growth until the patient is in remission; then a lower dose is used for long-term maintenance. Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy and childhood because it discolors developing teeth. Erythromycin is an alternative for these patients. Exacerbation of pustules or abscesses during either type of antibiotic therapy requires a culture to identify a possible secondary bacterial infection.

Oral isotretinoin combats severe acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and abnormal keratinization. Because of its severe adverse effects, the 16- to 20-week course of isotretinoin is limited to those with severe papulopustular or cystic acne who don’t respond to conventional therapy. (See Risks of isotretinoin therapy.)

Females may benefit from taking birth control pills (such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen) or spironolactone because these drugs produce antiandrogenic effects. (See Hormonal therapy.)

Other treatments for acne vulgaris include intralesional corticosteroid injections, exposure to ultraviolet light (but never when a photosensitizing agent, such as tretinoin, is being used), cryotherapy, and acne surgery.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Butterfly rash: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Instruct the patient to avoid exposure to the sun or to use a sunscreen. Suggest that he use hypoallergenic makeup to help conceal facial lesions. Provide the patient with contact information for the Lupus Foundation of America.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Papular rash: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Advise the patient to keep his skin clean and dry, to avoid scratching the rash, and to wear loose-fitting, nonirritating clothing. Instruct him to promptly report any change in the rash’s color, size, or configuration as well as the onset of itching or bleeding. Also tell him to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and to apply a protective sunscreen before going outdoors.

Warn patients with chronic conditions (such as SLE, psoriasis, or sarcoidosis) about the typical skin rashes that can develop. Tell them that these rashes can be an early sign of disease flare-up and that they should seek prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Pustular rash: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Instruct the patient to keep his bathroom articles and linens separate from those of other family members. Associated pain and itching, altered body image, and the stress of isolation may result in anxiety, depression, and loss of sleep. Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Butterfly rash: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Prepare the patient for immunologic studies, complete blood count and, possibly, liver studies.

▪ Obtain a urine specimen if needed.

▪ Withhold photosensitizing drugs, such as phenothiazines, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, and thiazide diuretics.

Patient teaching

▪ Instruct the patient to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and to use sunscreen whenever outside.

▪ Suggest that the patient use hypoallergenic makeup to help conceal facial lesions.

▪ Teach the patient about the cause of the butterfly rash and the treatment plan afetr a diagnosis is established.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Papular rash: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Apply cool compresses or an antipruritic lotion.

▪ Administer an antihistamine for allergic reactions and an antibiotic for infection.

Patient teaching

▪ Teach the patient appropriate skin care measures.

▪ Explain ways to reduce itching.

▪ Discuss signs and symptoms that require medical attention.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Pustular rash: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Observe wound and skin isolation procedures until infection is ruled out by a Gram stain or culture and sensitivity test of the pustule's contents.

▪ If the organism is infectious, don't allow drainage to touch unaffected skin.

▪ Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

▪ Explain methods to prevent the spread of infection.

▪ Discuss ways to relieve pain and itching.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

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