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Living with Rosacea

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Living with Rosacea

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN

Use sunscreen daily with an SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. Sunscreen should be labelled: non-oily, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and meant for sensitive skin.1

Avoid sun during peak hours, wear a hat and protective clothing, seek out shade.1

Cleanse skin once or twice daily. Use a gentle, no-soap cleanser.3

Use fingertips, not an abrasive cloth or sponge.3 Blot or pat, do not rub, face dry.3

Apply a moisturizer after you cleanse your skin and have applied your topical medication and allowed it to dry.4

ARE THE SYMPTOMS PERMANENT?

  • Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically presents in middle- and older-aged adults, and is more common in women and people with fair, sensitive skin.7
  • There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled.7
  • In one small study, 52% of participants reported rosacea that came and went. This group experienced rosacea flare-ups for an average of 13 years. 48% of people who participated in the study had their rosacea clear up after an average of 9 years.8

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF ROSACEA

  • In addition to the physical effects of acne, this common condition can have psychological effects on you.
  • In addition to the physical effects of rosacea, this chronic skin condition can have psychological effects too.
  • Rosacea is difficult to deal with because the symptoms present on the face, are very visible, and cannot be covered up with clothing.9
  • Individuals diagnosed with rosacea can suffer from anxiety, frustration, embarrassment, and depression.10,11
  • Rosacea flares can be managed and controlled, so if affects how you interact with people home or at work, or causes you to be embarrassed about your appearance, consider seeking treatment. Symptoms can be more easily managed the earlier they are caught.

MEDICATIONS FOR ROSACEA

Self-treating with over-the-counter products may not help and may aggravate and irritate skin more, causing more severe redness and bumps.1

Topical creams (Metronidazole, antibiotics, steroids, Tretinoin, Sodium sulfacetamide and sulphur ).1

Oral prescription medications (antibiotics like: tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and others; isotretinoin).1

Laser therapy and other cosmetic surgery (pulsed dye laser or intense pulsed light (IPL), laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or cosmetic surgery).1

POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ROSACEA MEDICATION

  • Sticking with the treatment recommended by your doctor will improve symptoms within a few weeks.1
  • Compliance with therapy – using your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it – is an important key to success.6
  • Apply any topical medication and allow it to absorb completely before you apply moisturizer or makeup.7
  • Rosacea is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It is best to keep using your medications in between flare-ups in order to prevent them.8


REFERENCES

  1. Skin Care: Sunscreens. Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/take-action/rosacea-skin-care-sunscreen/. Published April 22, 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  2. Sunscreen. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/sunscreen. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  3. Facial Cleansing for Rosacea. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/facialcleansing. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  4. Moisturizer. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/moisturizer. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  5. Make-up and Concealers. Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/take-action/action-article-7/. Published December 12, 2014. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  6. For Men: Shaving Tips for Skin with Rosacea. National Rosacea Society. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/shavingtips.php. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  7. Rosacea. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rosacea/default.asp#1. Published April 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  8. Rosacea: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#treatment. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  9. Living with Rosacea. Canadian Dermatology Association. http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/#!/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/living-with-rosacea/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  10. Rosacea. Canadian Dermatology Association. http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/rosacea/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  11. Rosacea: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#causes. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  12. When to see a Doctor. Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/about-rosacea/when-to-see-a-doctor/. Published 2016. Accessed August 19, 2016.
  13. How Do I Treat Skin Thickening? Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. http://www.rosaceahelp.ca/take-action/action-article-8/. Published December 10, 2014. Accessed August 19, 2016. 
Related Terms: Dermatology, Rosacea, acne, rosacea, dermatology