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How do I Treat Rosacea Rash?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Rosacea is a medical condition that causes a red rash on the face, and in some cases excess tissue also begins to grow. The rosacea rash is most noticeable across the cheeks and nose, although it can also affect the forehead and chin areas of the face. In some patients, the skin of the nose becomes thickened along with the usual redness that occurs with this skin condition. The rosacea rash does not have a cure, but there are various treatment measures, some aimed at prevention, that can help to relieve some of the symptoms. These include taking antibiotics, limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen, and avoiding alcohol and spicy foods.

The rosacea rash tends to last for prolonged periods of time, although it does disappear and then come back in most patients. If left untreated, the condition can become worse over time. Treatment is aimed at improving the look of the skin and alleviating symptoms. The redness involved with the rash is more difficult to treat than the pimples that sometimes develop as part of the rosacea rash.

Antibiotic ointments are used as part of the treatment for the red rash that comes with rosacea.
Antibiotic ointments are used as part of the treatment for the red rash that comes with rosacea.

Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed and are frequently used along with an antibiotic ointment that is used on the rash itself. This often helps to clear up any infection of the skin and helps relieve the associated swelling or inflammation. It can often take several weeks of antibiotic therapy before the skin starts to look any better.

The primary treatment methods used for rosacea rash are designed to help prevent future flare-ups. Sun exposure is known to worsen the symptoms of the rosacea rash. Therefore, limiting exposure to the sun is important to the rosacea patient. A sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 should be used regularly, even when the patient is experiencing only mild sun exposure.

A dermatologist can recommend facial wash and other products that do not further aggravate rosacea.
A dermatologist can recommend facial wash and other products that do not further aggravate rosacea.

Alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods should be limited, as these items can worsen the rosacea rash in some patients. The patient should also avoid extremes in temperature, as becoming very cold or very hot can trigger a flare-up. Stress and strenuous exercise are known triggers in a lot of patients as well.

Harsh abrasives should be avoided by patients with rosacea. Instead, a very mild soap or facial cleanser should be used. It is important to use a gentle moisturizer on the skin as well. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the skin. This type of specialist is qualified to help the patient decide on the proper treatment for rosacea, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@simrin-- Have you tried anti-inflammatory ointments? Your doctor can prescribe you some for your rosacea rash.

discographer

@simrin-- How long have you had rosacea? Everyone's rosacea is a little bit different and you have to find the best treatments for you.

I personally am on oral antibiotics. I've been seeing a dramatic decrease in rash and blister occurrences since I started my antibiotic treatment.

I'm also paying attention to my diet. I've noticed that I have more flare-ups when I eat a lot of carbohydrates and sugar and don't get enough vitamins and antioxidants. So I'm trying to cut down on carbs and eat more fruit for my sweet-tooth. I also drink a lot of green tea and these have made things easier for me.

Rosacea is a skin condition that's very difficult. I feel like it will never go away but I'm doing the best I can to keep it under control.

SteamLouis

My rosacea tends to flare when my body temperature increases and I can literally feel the rash coming on. Winters are not too difficult, but I have a very hard time in the summer. I can spend very little time outside in the summer, I have to sit in an air conditioned space all the time.

I haven't found any rosacea treatment that helps my rashes when it's triggered by heat. I just try and stay cool.

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    • Antibiotic ointments are used as part of the treatment for the red rash that comes with rosacea.
      By: Coprid
      Antibiotic ointments are used as part of the treatment for the red rash that comes with rosacea.
    • A dermatologist can recommend facial wash and other products that do not further aggravate rosacea.
      By: ipag
      A dermatologist can recommend facial wash and other products that do not further aggravate rosacea.
    • Many rosacea flare-ups are triggered by exposure to the sun's rays.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Many rosacea flare-ups are triggered by exposure to the sun's rays.
    • A dermatologist can provide patients with a treatment plan and medication for rosacea.
      By: michaeljung
      A dermatologist can provide patients with a treatment plan and medication for rosacea.
    • Excessive consumption of alcohol may cause rosacea flare-ups.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Excessive consumption of alcohol may cause rosacea flare-ups.
    • Wearing sunscreen when exposed to the sun can help prevent rosacea rash flare ups.
      By: Maridav
      Wearing sunscreen when exposed to the sun can help prevent rosacea rash flare ups.