Tips To Help You Battle Rosacea

Swelling on the face is just one of the characteristics of rosacea. The condition, also known as facial erythmea, is known for the blemishes and red skin it causes, often similar to a severe case of acne. Even though rosacea is cosmetically undesirable, it is not harmful to the health of sufferers. Rosacea typically leads to diminished self-confidence, but does not usually cause pain, except when it impacts the eyes. Thankfully, with the right treatment, rosacea can be effectively curbed.

Before starting any treatment for rosacea, patients should see their doctors for advice. It is necessary for a licensed dermatologist to determine how severe the ailment is. Moreover, they can tell sufferers which treatment is right for them based on how long the treatment takes and how much it costs.

For a quick, short-term respite, antibiotics such as minocycline and doxycycline will do the trick. These medications will reduce the swelling and pimples that are associated with rosacea. This option is only effective on patients with moderate rosacea.

Another way of combating rosacea is to use skin cleansers or glycolic acid peels. Both are available by prescription or as over-the-counter products. Many doctors recommend Rosanil or Clearasil. When used correctly, they provide calming relief to the inflamed skin. If the cleansers used are applied too aggressively, however, they can make the situation more severe. Soaps and peels that are too harsh on the skin may aggravate the inflammation.

Topical treatments have also proven to be an effective choice in battling rosacea. Azelaic acid-based cream help in controlling the redness as well as the inflammation of the skin. A topical product that also contains an antibiotic is metronidazole. Topical treatments carry the added advantage of convenience and can be applied daily without professional assistance.

Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a medical procedure that helps combat rosacea. In fact, PDT is also used effectively for other skin ailments, such as severe cases of acne or even skin cancer. Another common name for this procedure is blue light therapy due to its reliance on a blue light that acts as an activator for a photosensitizer. A photosensitizing lotion is put on the affected area. This lotion is either a liquid or a cream. After PDT, which usually takes an hour and a half to finish in a clinic or an office, it is important that the patient religiously avoid the sun for about one to three days. Some patients experience dryness or minor discomfort, but few people complain of anything more severe.

Rosacea also seems to respond well to laser treatment. Lasers have been used to reduce the reddish color and pimples associated with rosacea. Usually a number of sessions are required in order for the maximum benefits of the treatment to be enjoyed.

It is important to note that most people experience varying levels of physical discomfort when undergoing laser treatments for rosacea. Also, the majority of insurance plans do not cover laser light treatments. Laser treatment is sometimes combined with photodynamic therapy in an attempt to obtain the best results possible.

Despite it being a harmless condition, the emotional impacts of rosacea call for treatment measures. Fortunately, many remedies are available, including antibiotics, cleansers, PDT, and laser therapy. Therefore, almost all patients can find solutions which meet their needs and budget.