Rosacea Treatments

Topical medications are often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate rosacea. These prescription creams, gels, or lotions are applied directly to the affected skin and help reduce inflammation, redness, and bumps. Commonly used topical medications include metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.

• Antibiotics: Metronidazole, erythromycin, and clindamycin reduce redness and inflammation
• Azelaic acid topical cream improves both redness and acne-like lesions
• Ivermectin targets inflammation and Demodex mites, which are sometimes associated with rosacea.
• Brimonidine and oxymetazoline topical gels work differently by temporarily constricting blood vessels, reducing visible redness for several hours. These treatments are especially helpful for patients whose primary concern is facial flushing.

For more moderate to severe cases, oral medications may be prescribed.

• Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or minocycline, are often used in low doses to reduce inflammation rather than to fight bacteria. These medications are particularly effective for patients with papulopustular rosacea, the type characterized by red bumps and pimples. Beta-blockers can be used to treat severe symptoms.

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies are effective treatments for rosacea symptoms, including persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels (telangiectasias). These therapies target blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface, causing them to shrink and fade over time.

Vascular lasers, such as the pulsed dye laser, are commonly used to treat visible blood vessels, while IPL is versatile and addresses both redness and skin texture. Patients often need multiple sessions for the best results, and maintenance treatments may be recommended to keep symptoms under control.

Because rosacea-prone skin is sensitive, dermatologists also focus on daily skincare as a key part of treatment.

• Gentle cleansers, non-irritating moisturizers, and broad-spectrum sunscreen are essential.
• Avoiding known triggers such as hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, and stress also helps minimize flare-ups.
• Dermatologists may recommend barrier-repair creams to strengthen the skin’s natural defenses.
• Cosmetic camouflage with green-tinted moisturizers or mineral-based makeup can also reduce the visible appearance of redness.

In certain cases, procedures can be used to address complications of rosacea. For patients with phymatous rosacea, which causes thickened, bumpy skin (often on the nose), dermatologic procedures such as dermabrasion, electrosurgery, or laser resurfacing can restore smoother contours. These treatments reshape the affected areas, improving both appearance and comfort.