Acne rosacea often gets confused with acne, but it is actually a chronic, inflammatory skin condition occurring in one out of twenty Americans. Acne rosacea produces red thick or patchy skin accompanied by pimples or pustules, itching, and inflamed blood vessels.
The difference between acne and acne rosacea is rosacea does not produce blackheads. There is no cure for rosacea, but natural treatment reduces symptoms, and a clinic such as Dermatology Consultants of South Florida can offer treatment. Here are some treatment options for acne rosacea.
Topical Treatment
Some patients may be advised to apply azelaic acid to moderate rosacea. Azelaic acid is common in grains and it occurs naturally on the skin. Studies show 70% to 80% of patients have fewer rosacea symptoms when they use azelaic acid. Patients should apply it at the same time daily and not use more or less than prescribed.
Metronidazole is commonly applied to moderate and severe rosacea. One study showed only 23% of patients who used metronidazole had a flare-up after they stopped the treatment.
Sodium and sulfur treatments can be bought without a prescription. The ingredients are commonly found in skin care products, such as cleansers. Patients who use sulfur and sodium treatment normally see at least a 65% to 78% reduction in flare-ups and a 66% reduction in redness. Sulfur and sodium work to remove the top layer of damaged skin causing a mild oxidation.
Light Therapy
Light therapy treats rosacea patients with inflamed blood vessels using LED lighting, yellow lighting, or red lighting. A green light may be applied to control itching and tightness. Dermatologists often use light therapy along with other treatments or after other treatments for long-lasting skin rejuvenation.
Patients commonly notice 50% to 70% reduction of inflamed blood vessels after one to three sessions. Light therapy works to increase collagen, reduce redness, and improve facial circulation.
Oral Medications
A common medication prescribed for acne rosacea in low doses with pustules and bumps is doxycycline. Doxycycline does not act like an antibiotic since it will not kill bacteria, but it decreases redness.
Isotretinoin is commonly prescribed for cystic acne, but it may be given to patients when severe rosacea does not respond to other treatment. This medicine decreases redness, but not every patient can take it.
Another effective rosacea medication is brimonidine which constricts blood vessels to reduce redness. Some patients may notice an improvement after twelve hours of use.
At Dermatology Consultants of South Florida we will develop a personalized treatment plan to treat your acne rosacea in the most effective way possible. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation! We are located in Coral Springs, FL.