The best rosacea treatments depend on your symptoms. Topical creams like metronidazole and azelaic acid can reduce redness and inflammation. Oral antibiotics help with bumps and pustules, while laser therapy targets visible blood vessels.
Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, using gentle skin care, and wearing SPF daily are key to controlling flare-ups. Keep reading to learn which treatments may work best for your type of rosacea.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, acne-like bumps on the face. It often affects the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. While the exact cause isn’t known, triggers like heat, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol can make symptoms worse. Rosacea tends to flare up and fade over time, but with the right treatment, you can manage it effectively.
What Are the Types of Rosacea?
Rosacea comes in four main types, each with different symptoms:
1. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
This type causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), and skin that flushes easily. It often comes with dryness, burning, and sensitivity. Triggers like sun exposure, heat, and spicy foods can worsen flare-ups. Treatments include gentle skincare, prescription topicals, and laser therapy to reduce redness.
2. Papulopustular Rosacea
Sometimes called “acne rosacea,” this type features red bumps and pus-filled pustules that resemble breakouts. Unlike acne, there are no blackheads, and the skin may feel tender and inflamed. It’s common in middle-aged women and can be managed with topical or oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory creams, and lifestyle adjustments.
3. Phymatous Rosacea
This rarer form thickens the skin, leading to a rough, bumpy texture, especially on the nose (rhinophyma). It’s more common in men and progresses over time if untreated. While medications can help with early symptoms, advanced cases often require laser treatments or surgical procedures to reshape the affected areas.
4. Ocular Rosacea
This type affects the eyes, causing dryness, redness, irritation, swollen eyelids, and a gritty sensation. In severe cases, it can lead to blurred vision or corneal damage. Treatments include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, and oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation. Managing triggers and practicing good eyelid hygiene are also essential.
Clinically Proven Treatments for Rosacea
There’s no cure for rosacea, but clinically proven treatments can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your rosacea.
1. Medications
Topical Treatments
Prescription creams and gels are often the first line of defense. Metronidazole (Metrogel, Noritate) is an antibiotic that helps reduce inflammation and redness. Azelaic acid (Finacea, Azelex) works by unclogging pores and reducing bumps and irritation.
Ivermectin (Soolantra) targets skin inflammation and kills Demodex mites, which may contribute to rosacea symptoms. For those struggling with persistent redness, brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade) temporarily constrict blood vessels to make the skin appear less red for several hours.
Oral Medications
When topical treatments aren’t enough, oral medications can provide additional relief. Low-dose doxycycline or minocycline are commonly prescribed antibiotics that have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm flare-ups.
In severe cases with persistent pustules, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be an option. This powerful medication, typically used for acne, works by shrinking oil glands and reducing inflammation but is only prescribed in specific cases due to its strong effects and potential side effects.
2. Laser Treatments
Laser therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat visible blood vessels, persistent redness, and thickened skin caused by rosacea. Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is commonly used to shrink broken capillaries, reducing facial flushing and redness.
CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing can help patients with phymatous rosacea, where the skin becomes thickened, particularly on the nose. Besides improving redness and other symptoms, laser treatments also boost collagen, ease irritation, and make your skin smoother.
3. Light-Based Therapies
For overall redness and skin tone improvement, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a popular treatment. IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light to target and reduce redness, helping to shrink visible blood vessels and even out skin tone.
Unlike lasers, which focus on a single wavelength, IPL treats a larger area of skin, making it a good option for those with diffuse redness. Multiple sessions are usually required for optimal results, but many patients see a noticeable reduction in redness and flushing.
How To Treat Rosacea At Home
Medical treatments work best for rosacea, but the right at-home care can help keep flare-ups under control. Try these at-home remedies to manage symptoms:
Stick to a Gentle Skincare Routine
Rosacea-prone skin is sensitive, so use a fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser to remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin. Hydrating moisturizers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid help strengthen your skin barrier. Always wear SPF 30+ (mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work best) since sun exposure is a major trigger. Avoid scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and anything with menthol, eucalyptus, or synthetic fragrances—they’ll just make redness worse.
Avoid Common Triggers
Everyone’s triggers are different, but common ones include spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, extreme temperatures, and stress. Keeping a rosacea diary can help you track what causes your flare-ups. If certain foods or drinks make your skin react, try cutting them out.
Use Soothing Ingredients
Certain ingredients can calm redness and inflammation. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps strengthen your skin barrier. Green tea extract, licorice root, and aloe vera have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Colloidal oatmeal is great for soothing irritation. Look for products with these ingredients to help keep your skin calm.
Cold Compress for Flare-Ups
A cold compress can quickly reduce flushing and irritation. Soak a soft washcloth in cool water and press it gently onto your skin. Don’t rub—friction can make things worse.
Manage Stress
Stress is a major rosacea trigger. Regular exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and good sleep can help reduce inflammation and keep your skin calmer.
My Rosacea Isn’t Improving? What Do I Do?
If your rosacea isn’t improving, talk to a dermatologist about the best treatment plan for you. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and without the right treatment plan, flare-ups can become more frequent or severe. A board-certified dermatologist can assess your skin, adjust your treatment, and recommend advanced options tailored to your needs.
At Skin Cancer Specialists, Dr. Tarek M. Fakhouri specializes in treating rosacea with the latest medical and laser therapies. Whether you need prescription-strength solutions, customized laser treatments, or expert guidance on managing triggers, Dr. Fakhouri can help you get real, lasting results.
Don’t let rosacea control your skin. Call us at 832-364-6184 to book your appointment today and get personalized care from Houston’s top dermatologist. We have four locations to serve you: Sugar Land, Conroe, Katy, and Houston, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rosacea go away on its own?
No, rosacea is a chronic condition that doesn’t go away on its own. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can keep symptoms under control and significantly reduce flare-ups.
Can laser treatment get rid of rosacea?
Laser treatment can significantly reduce redness, visible blood vessels, and thickened skin, but it doesn’t cure rosacea. Since rosacea is a chronic condition, laser therapy helps manage symptoms rather than eliminate them completely.
Is laser therapy painful?
Laser treatments for rosacea aren’t painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snapping or warming feeling. Some redness and swelling may occur after treatment, but downtime is minimal.
How much does laser treatment for rosacea cost?
Laser treatment for rosacea costs $300 to $600 per session, with most people needing three to five sessions. Prices vary by laser type, session count, and provider.
Does insurance cover laser treatment for rosacea?
Insurance usually doesn’t cover it since it’s considered cosmetic.
