How to Get Rid of Rosacea Permanently

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition characterised by facial redness, swelling, flushing, raised red-coloured spots (papules or plaques), and skin thickening. 

Minor features also include skin burning, stinging sensations, and dryness. It predominantly affects the centrofacial region, including cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Ocular rosacea is a sub-type of rosacea causing eye discomfort, irritation, itching, and foreign body sensations. 

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for rosacea; however, long-term treatment can alleviate these symptoms, and preventive measures can reduce the chances of relapsing.

Symptoms and Causes

Rosacea presents with a range of symptoms, including the following:

• Persistent facial redness, which usually gets severe after triggering factors.
• Facial flushing is marked by heat, burning, and pain.
• Papules, pustules, or plaques, characterised by raised red-coloured spots.
• Skin inflammation.
• Visible blood vessels due to dilatation of blood vessels in response to inflammation (known as telangiectasia).
• Burning sensations, skin dryness, itching, and facial swelling.

Although the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, many risk factors are associated with rosacea. These factors include prolonged sun or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, strenuous exercise, stress, exposure to intense heat or cold, menopause, caffeine, and hot drinks. Moreover, a family history of rosacea and certain medications, such as amiodarone, steroids, and high doses of vitamin B6 and B12, increase the risk for rosacea.

How is it Different from Acne Vulgaris?

Although rosacea and acne vulgaris share many symptoms, there are many distinguishing features between them. Acne vulgaris appears as white and blackheads (comedones appearance), while rosacea presents with persistent facial redness.

Professional Treatment Options Provided by Prescription Doctor

It is a long-term condition that may improve with treatment; however, intermittent relapses may appear. 

The following treatment regimens are mainly considered for rosacea. 

Rozex Cream and Gel: It contains metronidazole (an antibiotic) recommended for treating inflammatory lesions (i.e., papules and pimples) of rosacea. It is used topically i.e., directly applied to the affected skin. 

Finacea Gel: It contains Azelaic acid that kills rosacea-causing bacteria and is recommended for mild-to-moderate rosacea. 

Oral doxycycline 40mg (Efracea) once daily, along with topical Ivermectin, is prescribed for moderate to severe disease. It provides a long-term remission by killing the bacteria causing rosacea. 

Metrogel: Metrogel, just like Rozex, contains topical metronidazole that helps treat rosacea and associated pimples and bumps. 

Topical Ivermectin (Soolantra) once daily for three to four months is usually prescribed for rosacea with mild-to-moderate papules or pustules.

What if These Treatments Fail?

If rosacea symptoms do not improve despite the above treatment, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist. In such cases, a skin specialist usually prescribes oral isotretinoin at low doses. Isotretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative, usually prescribed for severe acne and rosacea.

Similarly, a dermatologist may also prescribe clonidine and beta-blockers (to reduce skin redness). In severe cases, your dermatologist may also consider laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment to improve skin flushing. IPL uses narrow beams of light to shrink visible blood vessels, with minimal damage to the other unaffected facial areas.

Self-Help Measures

The following self-help steps can help reduce symptoms' severity and relapse chances:

• Avoid triggering factors and make a diary to identify the exact ones that exacerbate your rosacea. It is also essential to deal with these triggering factors accordingly; for example, if stress is the primary trigger, you can practice stress-reducing activities.
• Apply high-factor sunscreen that protects ultraviolet A and B.
• Ultraviolet protection glasses are usually recommended for ocular rosacea. Furthermore, artificial tears can decrease ocular burning and dryness.
• Non-oily emollients can reduce the dryness associated with rosacea. Moreover, soap-free gentle cleansers are recommended for washing the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there any permanent cure for rosacea?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for rosacea. It is a remitting-relapsing disease, which means it may go into remission for years, and then the symptoms may re-appear. Following the treatment and self-help measures, rosacea may remain in remission for prolonged periods.

What is rhinophyma? Is it related to rosacea?

Rhinophyma refers to the swelling of the nose in rosacea, which leads to scar formation and a change in its shape. It usually develops when rosacea remains active for many years. Dermabrasion (removal of upper layers of skin with a burr or wire brush) and electrosurgery is the main line of treatment for rhinophyma.

What if rosacea is left untreated?

Rosacea can cause many negative psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Rosacea can also lead to severe skin scarring if left untreated.

Similarly, ocular rosacea can also lead to several eye-related complications, such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins), and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).

Is there any skin camouflage for rosacea?

Special camouflage makeup with yellow or green-tinted cosmetics can visually mask the skin's redness and flushing.

Authored By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Published on: 19/06/2023

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 19/06/2023