Understanding Rosacea: Treatment Options for Calming Redness

If you’ve been dealing with persistent redness, visible blood vessels, or acne-like breakouts on your face, you may be among the estimated 14 million Americans living with rosacea. This chronic skin condition can affect self-esteem and comfort, but the good news is that effective treatments are available.

At our Clarus Dermatology, we take a personalized approach to managing rosacea, helping you regain clearer, calmer skin and greater confidence.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the central face—cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It often begins with episodes of flushing and gradually progresses to persistent redness, visible capillaries (telangiectasia), and, in some cases, acne-like bumps or thickened skin.

Common triggers include:

Sun exposure
Hot or spicy foods
Alcohol
Extreme temperatures
Stress
Certain skincare products

There’s no cure for rosacea, but with the right care plan, flare-ups can be controlled and minimized.

Medical Rosacea Treatments We Offer

1. Topical Medications

Prescription creams and gels can help reduce redness and inflammation. Common options include:

Brimonidine and oxymetazoline: Reduce visible redness by constricting blood vessels.
Metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin: Help reduce inflammation and treat papules or pustules.

These treatments are often used as first-line therapy or in combination with other methods.

2. Oral Medications

For more moderate to severe rosacea, or when acne-like lesions are present, oral medications may be recommended:

Doxycycline (low-dose): Reduces inflammation without acting as a traditional antibiotic.
Isotretinoin (in severe cases): Used in carefully selected patients under close supervision.

3. Laser and Light Therapy

Dermatologic laser treatments target visible blood vessels and persistent redness:

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy are commonly used to reduce redness and improve overall skin appearance.
These treatments are non-invasive and often well tolerated, with visible improvements after a few sessions.

4. Skin Care Guidance

Your skincare routine can make or break your rosacea management. We help patients:

Choose gentle, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers
Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, or exfoliating acids
Incorporate broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily

Customized product recommendations and education are a vital part of treatment success.

5. Lifestyle and Trigger Management

Identifying and avoiding personal rosacea triggers can significantly reduce flare-ups. We work closely with patients to create a trigger journal and provide guidance on:

Diet modification
Stress management
Heat and UV exposure prevention

Why Work With a Board-Certified Dermatologist?

Rosacea is a complex and highly individual condition. What works for one person may not work for another. A board-certified dermatologist can provide:

An accurate diagnosis (rosacea can mimic acne, lupus, or seborrheic dermatitis)
A treatment plan tailored to your unique skin type and symptoms
Access to the latest, evidence-based therapies

Ready for Relief?

If you’re tired of covering up redness or battling flare-ups without answers, we’re here to help. Our goal is to help you feel more confident in your skin with a targeted, long-term management plan.