Medication For Rosacea That's Used During Treatment

When dermatologists prescribe medication for rosacea, their aim is to rein in the symptoms of the ailment and to enhance the looks of the afflicted. Since the signs of the disease vary considerably from person to person, the treatment is tailored to suit the needs of the patient. It would usually comprise of multi-pronged approach utilizing oral antibiotics, topical medicines and a customized skincare regimen.

Oral Antibiotics

When the rosacea is mild or in its initial stages, the use of a topical antibiotic, for example metronidazole, is recommended. This cream or gel can be spread over the affected areas to bring relief. In more advanced cases, oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, azithromycin, minocycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline are first prescribed. These medicines effectively lessen the symptoms of reddishness, pimples and irritation in the eyes. The duration for which the medication for rosacea is prescribed would vary from 6 to 12 weeks depending on how severe the case is.

Topical Medications

Once the symptoms are under control, topical medicines are introduced. They augment the healing process initiated by the antibiotics. Their anti-oxidant properties are utilized to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms in the long term. The most frequently prescribed topical medicines include azaleic acid, metronidazole and sodium sulfacetamide combined with sulfur. One can avail these medicines in the form of lotions, gels, or creams.

At times if the patient does not respond to the above treatments, stronger medicines in the form of isotretinoin may have to be used. Though this may be effective, isotretinoin may not be suitable to everybody. One of its many side effects is that it causes deficiencies in the babies of pregnant women who consume it. Medication for rosacea, for example clonidine, helps in diminishing symptoms of flushing. However it may have minor side effects.

Surgery

In cases where rosacea has not been treated for a long time, the face is likely to have been disfigured. This results in low self-esteem and discomfort about looks. One can improve one's looks by undergoing dermabrasion, laser therapy, or plastic surgery. However surgery does not remove the underlying disease and one would need to continue with the treatment to avoid further flare-ups.

Skin-care Regimen

The skin care regimen for rosacea patients would entail using products made for sensitive skin. Facial skin should be tended to with care. One should keep the facial skin clean by using a mild cleanser twice a day. One should wash the face with fresh water and then pat it dry. Do not scrub it roughly. Apply a moisturizer that's meant for sensitive skin. Thereafter put the topical medication on the affected areas. Once the skin absorbs the medicine, one can apply water-based make-up.

The effectiveness of the medication for rosacea varies from person to person. It may reduce the ailment in some people within months whereas others would need to continue the treatment for all their lives.