How to Treat Adult Rosacea

Rosacea is a facial skin condition that has no cure. Rosacea is inflammatory in nature, and it is a problem for as many as 14 million Americans. According to the Mayo Clinic, people between the ages of 30 and 60 are most prone to developing it. Rosacea can precipitate pus-filled red bumps resembling acne on the face, cause a person's face to take on a reddish color, or make the skin on the face thicker in some areas. The symptoms normally flare up and then dissipate, only to reappear.

Instructions

• 1

  Take good care of yourself. Avoid the triggers that can cause a flare-up of rosacea. While the exact reason that rosacea occurs is still unknown, it can be made much worse when the blood flow to the face is increased. This means that things such as spicy foods, hot beverages and alcohol can exacerbate rosacea. They should be avoided if you've experienced such symptoms in the past.

• 2

  Utilize sunscreen when you are going to be outdoors. Direct sunlight is another of those triggers that can make rosacea worse. You should also keep out of extreme heat or severe cold; both of these conditions can affect rosacea negatively. Don't go in saunas or take hot baths.

• 3

  Stay clear of any facial products that contain alcohol or any other potential skin irritants. These irritants include such compounds as astringents, menthol and camphor. Read the label carefully before purchasing anything for your face.

• 4

  Apply topical medications to your face to treat your rosacea symptoms. Use products such as Nicomide T, which combines vitamins with zinc and comes in cream form. Nicomide soothes inflammation by suppressing your immune system. Other topical creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid can be employed as well.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about Isotretinoin if you have severe rosacea. This is a strong drug that is taken by mouth. It is a prescription medication with side effects, and it is used only when other treatments for rosacea are unable to produce results. Other drugs--such as the antibiotics, minocycline, tetracycline, and erythromycin--are used in less extreme instances of rosacea in adults.