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Cream & Lotion Treatments for Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder characterized by chronic redness and inflammation in cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. In some cases, rosacea can look like a sunburn, but its symptoms are recurring and persistent. According to WebMD.com, Rosacea victims might experience stinging and burning in areas of the face, and small papules might occur on the site of the irritation. Many variations of rosacea can potentially be controlled using clinically formulated creams or lotions.

  1. Metronidazole Rosacea Lotion

    • Metronidazole comes in cream, lotion, gel or jelly forms and is a prescription-only cream applied topically to adult skin only. It is rarely recommended for children. Patients should be cautious when using this cream during tobacco use or alcohol intake, as these substances can cause adverse interactions with the cream, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects might include stinging, redness or dry skin.

    Clindamycin Rosacea Lotion

    • Clindamycin, is a gel, foam, solution or lotion anti-bacterial agent used to help control both rosacea and acne. Since papules and pustules often associated with acne can also creep up on rosacea-inflicted skin, this treatment can help take care of both problems at the same time. If you already take medications such as erythromycin, notify your doctor so he or she can change the dosage of one of the medicines so you do not experience adverse reactions.

      According to Drugs.com, this lotion has been associated with diarrhea side effects, so stay alert to this type of reaction when using clindamycin.

    Azelaic Acid Cream

    • Azelaic acid is formulated to reduce dark pigmentation and is often used to treat rosacea, acne, and melasma, a tan discoloration that sometimes occurs during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives. According to DermNetNZ.org, azelaic acid is a nontoxic substance and incurs few side effects in most patients. Some users might experience scaly skin and more itching and burning than usual; if this occurs, discontinue use and seek medical help. Consult your doctor if you suffer from other skin problems, such as eczema.

    Erythromycin Cream

    • Webmd.com suggests using creams formulated with erythromycin. As another type of antibiotic treatment, erythromycin can fight acne as well as rosacea by cutting down on the bacteria on the skin. Again, as with many anti-bacterial creams, diarrhea side effects might be a concern in some users. Other side effects, such as dryness, increased irritation, rash or swelling might occur as well. HealthCentral.com says these topicals are made with a large amount of alcohol to dry out the skin, so this might be a drawback for some users as well.

    Anti-Redness Moisturizers

    • According to rosacea.org, moisturizing rosacea-ridden skin will help prevent the burning, itching and irritation people experience with rosacea. By moisturizing daily with an anti-irritant moisturizer made with soothing ingredients such as xanthine, some of the pain and irritation will subside. The National Rosacea Society recommends choosing lotion with a sheer green tint, as this can neutralize the redness caused by rosacea.

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