Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that usually begins with a tendency to flush or blush more easily than others. Over time, this can evolve into persistent facial redness, prominent blood vessels, and intermittent flares of red bumps that resemble acne. Without treatment, rosacea can worsen and lead to long-term changes in skin texture and tone.

Rosacea can present in several forms, and many patients experience overlapping features:

• Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Characterized by persistent facial redness, flushing, and visible capillaries (telangiectasias).
• Papulopustular Rosacea: Often mistaken for acne, this subtype causes red bumps (papules) and pus-filled lesions (pustules).
• Phymatous Rosacea: A more advanced subtype marked by thickened, uneven skin—most often on the nose (rhinophyma).
• Ocular Rosacea: Affects the eyes and eyelids, causing redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation.

Accurate diagnosis is important because the right treatment plan depends on the specific type or combination of rosacea subtypes.

Rosacea is a multifactorial condition, meaning it doesn’t have one specific cause, but rather several contributing factors have been identified:

• Genetics contribute a background predilection for rosacea, with a higher incidence among people of Northern European descent
• Environmental and lifestyle triggers, such as sun exposure, spicy foods, heat, alcohol, and stress
• Abnormal immune response and inflammation in the skin
• Abnormal blood vessel reactivity and blood flow
• Demodex mites, which are microscopic organisms that live on the skin and may be more prevalent in those with rosacea

Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and while it cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed with the right combination of medical treatments and lifestyle strategies.

At Vue Dermatology & Laser, we believe rosacea care should be as individual as your skin. We combine clinical expertise with a personalized approach to help you achieve long-term control.

Topical Medications

Topical therapies are often the first step in managing mild to moderate rosacea. These help to reduce redness, inflammation, and breakouts:

• Metronidazole: An anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent
• Azelaic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce redness
• Ivermectin: Targets inflammatory lesions and reduces skin mites
• Oxymetazoline or Brimonidine: Vasoconstrictive agents that temporarily reduce facial redness by narrowing blood vessels

Oral Medications

When rosacea causes more widespread or stubborn inflammatory lesions, oral therapy may be recommended:

• Low-dose doxycycline or minocycline: An oral antibiotic that acts primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent
• Isotretinoin: A powerful option for severe, treatment-resistant cases of rosacea (used selectively and with close monitoring)

Laser-Based Treatments

For redness and visible blood vessels that don’t respond to medication alone, laser therapy can offer dramatic improvement. Laser treatments are particularly effective for reducing flushing, telangiectasias, and persistent erythema—and they can significantly enhance cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Vbeam® Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a well-respected laser therapy that addresses dilated blood vessels and background redness by delivering pulses of light that selectively destroy vascular lesions with minimal damage to surrounding skin.

Because rosacea is easily exacerbated by external triggers, proper skincare and behavioral adjustments are a crucial component of disease management:

• Sun protection: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ is essential
• Trigger management: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, or extreme temperatures
• Gentle skincare routine: Selecting fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers that are best suited for sensitive skin

Dr. Philip Eliades and the team at Vue Dermatology & Laser are committed to delivering expert, individualized care.. We understand the daily challenges rosacea can pose, and we’ll partner with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and skin needs.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or struggling with persistent symptoms despite past treatments, we are here to help you find lasting relief and renewed confidence.