Treatment Overview

There is no cure for rosacea. Treatment often helps keep symptoms under control and prevents the disease from getting worse. If left untreated, rosacea symptoms can get worse, can recur more often, and eventually may become permanent.

Treatment for the four main forms of rosacea vary depending on your symptoms:¹

• Erythematotelangiectatic. Symptoms include flushing and often thin, red lines (telangiectasias) on the face. Some people report stinging or burning of the face. Treatment may include oral antibiotics. Your skin may be too sensitive for you to use ointments on your face. In mild cases, you can apply a gentle anti-inflammatory product and sunscreen in the morning. If medication does not clear up the thin, red lines, which are tiny blood vessels, a form of laser surgery called pulsed dye laser therapy may help.
• Papulopustular. Symptoms include small pimples (pustules). You can also have facial flushing and tiny, red lines on your cheeks. Your doctor may prescribe ointments for your face or antibiotic medication. You may even use both at the same time. Skin tends to be less sensitive with this form of rosacea.
• Phymatous. Symptoms include thick, bumpy skin and large pores. The most common type affects the nose (rhinophyma). Other types affect the chin, forehead, ears, and eyelids. You may also have flushing, pimples, and visible blood veins. Your doctor may prescribe isotretinoin for phymatous rosacea in its early stages. Surgery or laser resurfacing can reshape the nose in severe cases of rhinophyma.
• Ocular. Symptoms include red, dry, and irritated eyes. You may feel like something is in your eye. Your eyelids may swell or feel dry and flaky. In severe cases you may feel pain or have blurred vision. You can try artificial tears for dry eyes. Ointments work well for mild cases. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills.

With treatment, symptoms usually improve in 2 to 4 weeks. You'll see the best results in about 2 months.

Identifying and avoiding triggers that cause rosacea flare-ups is an important part of treatment. Keep a list or diary of triggers to help you avoid those foods, products, or activities that might cause flare-ups. Even people who are using medicine to control rosacea benefit from avoiding triggers.