Is There a Cure for Rosacea?

Some 415 million people worldwide suffer from rosacea. If you’re among them, you’re all too familiar with the symptoms, including facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. 

At North Pacific Dermatology & Aesthetics, dermatologist Kelly Kinsley, MD, helps her patients with rosacea ease their symptoms. Management is the only option, as there isn’t a definitive cure for the condition. 

Read on to learn about the effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly reduce symptoms and improve skin health for people with rosacea.

Understanding rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face. You might experience:

• Persistent redness (especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin)
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• Acne-like breakouts
• Eye irritation (ocular rosacea)
• Burning or stinging sensations

The exact cause of rosacea is still unclear, but experts believe it may result from genetic and environmental factors. Triggers like sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and temperature extremes can worsen symptoms.

Effective treatments to manage rosacea

While rosacea can’t be cured, Dr. Kinsley offers various treatments to help manage flare-ups and reduce the condition’s impact on your life. Here are some options:

1. Topical treatments

Prescription creams and gels that contain medications like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin can help reduce redness and inflammation.

Dr. Kinsley also recommends you look for gentle, fragrance-free skincare designed for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

2. Oral medications

Low-dose oral antibiotics like doxycycline can help control inflammation. In severe cases, Dr. Kinsley may prescribe isotretinoin to reduce persistent symptoms.

3. Laser and light therapies

Intense pulsed light is a treatment that targets redness and can soften the look of visible blood vessels. Dr. Kinsley also offers specific laser treatment to reduce persistent redness and broken capillaries.

4. Lifestyle changes

Dr. Kinsley can help you identify triggers. She may recommend you keep a journal to track flare-ups and pinpoint what worsens your symptoms. Common triggers include:

• Sunlight and heat
• Stress
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Spicy foods
• Some makeup and skin/hair products
• Wind and cold
• Certain medicines
• Exercise

To prevent inflammation, be diligent about using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You should also use mild cleansers and moisturizers to maintain the skin barrier.

If you’re ready to take control of your rosacea, schedule a consultation at North Pacific Dermatology & Aesthetics today. We’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to help you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.

Call or use this website to set up your appointment today.