5 Ways to Minimize Your Rosacea Symptoms

Redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on your cheeks and nose are telltale signs of rosacea. The skin condition can also cause acne-like bumps. Symptoms may last for weeks or months before you go into remission, only to return later when triggered.

Anyone can develop rosacea. Up to 14 million people in the United States have it, and it most commonly affects middle-aged white women. Why certain people have rosacea isn’t fully understood, but it’s likely due to an overactive immune system.

We at North Pacific Dermatology know how frustrating, uncomfortable, and embarrassing rosacea can be. Because rosacea has no cure, your best strategy is to minimize your symptoms. Here are five things our patients find helpful in calming their rosacea.

1. Avoiding triggers

Of course, avoiding an outbreak is the best way to experience minimal symptoms. Everyone’s rosacea events are different, but common triggers include the following:

Overheating, including during exercise and with super hot showers
Stress
Spicy foods
Alcohol
Hot beverages
Alcohol
Wind and cold temperatures

Limiting your exposure to triggers makes you less likely to experience regular outbreaks and symptoms.

2. Use sun protection

Sun exposure is a significant cause of rosacea flare-ups. On sunny days, seek the shady side of the street or avoid the outdoors as much as possible. Wear sun-protective hats and eyewear with UV protection. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can also help protect you. If you need sunscreen suggestions for your sensitive skin, we can help. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are usually safe for people with rosacea.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Dry skin is more susceptible to a rosacea outbreak. Drink plenty of water and fluids, including watery fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and grapes.

Apply external moisturizers, too. Look for a type that is gentle and made for sensitive skin. We recommend you avoid ingredients like camphor, menthol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and alcohol.

4. Laser therapy

Ask us about laser therapy, especially if other conservative treatments don’t help reduce symptoms. Laser therapy can reduce the appearance of blood vessels and redness and thickened skin. There are many types of laser treatment; we can customize one that’s right for you.

5. Consider prescription drugs

If you have a flare-up that is especially bad, ask us about potential topical and oral drug treatments. Prescription creams or gels can help reduce flushing in affected skin. Other topical creams help control pimples that can occur with rosacea. Sometimes we might prescribe an antibiotic to keep your skin free of infection.

People with ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes, may also benefit from prescription eye drops and medication. Ocular rosacea shows up as itching, tearing, burning, and redness. Drugs are usually only recommended if conservative treatments, like warm compresses and gentle eye cleansers, fail to relieve you.

The dermatologists at North Pacific Dermatology are ready to help you manage your rosacea diagnosis. Set up your consultation today. Contact our office to find out how we can help.