Rosacea

This FAQ section provides general educational information about rosacea and its treatments. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Managing rosacea doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right treatment plan, daily skincare routine, and consistent monitoring, you can reduce redness and flare-ups effectively. Rosacea management typically involves identifying triggers, using gentle skincare products, and following prescribed treatments. However, many people struggle with inconsistent routines and misinformation, which can lead to worsening symptoms or frequent relapses.

Common Mistakes in Rosacea Treatment

• Skipping Maintenance Therapy: Stopping treatments once symptoms improve can lead to frequent flare-ups.

• Overusing Steroid Creams: Prolonged use of steroid creams can worsen rosacea and cause skin thinning.

• Ignoring Trigger Factors: Failing to identify and avoid personal triggers such as heat, spicy foods, and alcohol can make symptoms worse.

• Switching Treatments Too Soon: Not giving medications enough time to work (usually 8–12 weeks) before trying something new.

• Inconsistent Sun Protection: Not using sunscreen daily can lead to increased redness and flare-ups due to UV exposure.

• Using Harsh Skincare Products: Skincare with alcohol, fragrances, or exfoliants can irritate sensitive skin and worsen symptoms.

• Not Addressing Ocular Symptoms: Ignoring eye-related symptoms like dryness and irritation can lead to complications.

• Skipping Follow-Ups: Missing regular check-ins with a physician can result in ineffective treatment plans and unmanaged symptoms.

Avoiding these mistakes and following a consistent skincare and treatment plan can help you manage rosacea more effectively.

Current Rosacea Prescription Treatments Offered

Medication	Morning Routine	Evening Routine	Duration of Use
Metronidazole Gel (1%)		Yes	12 weeks
Metronidazole Gel (0.75%)	Yes	Yes	12 weeks
Ivermectin Cream (1%)		Yes	12 weeks
Doxycycline 100mg	Yes		12 weeks
Doxycycline 40mg	Yes		16 weeks
Azelaic Acid (15%)	Yes	Yes	Continuous

Understanding Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps and pustules. It can also affect the eyes, causing irritation and redness. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood. However, several factors contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, immune system dysregulation, environmental triggers (such as UV exposure, temperature changes, and spicy foods), and microorganisms like Demodex mites and Helicobacter pylori bacteria​.

How common is rosacea?

Rosacea affects approximately 5.5% of the global adult population, with a higher prevalence among individuals with fair skin, especially those of Northern European descent. It is most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 30 to 50 and is more frequently seen in women.

Is rosacea a lifelong condition?

Yes, rosacea is a chronic condition with periods of flare-ups and remissions. While it cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and medical treatments​.

What are the different types of rosacea?

Rosacea is classified into four subtypes based on predominant symptoms:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Persistent redness and visible blood vessels.

• Papulopustular rosacea: Redness with acne-like bumps.

• Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickening, often on the nose (rhinophyma).

• Ocular rosacea: Eye irritation, redness, and dryness

How is rosacea different from acne?

While both conditions cause bumps and redness, rosacea lacks blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), which are typical in acne. Rosacea primarily affects central facial areas and is associated with flushing and visible blood vessels, whereas acne commonly affects areas with more sebaceous glands like the forehead and back

Is rosacea contagious?

No, rosacea is not contagious. It cannot be spread through contact, sharing personal items, or airborne particles. It is a skin condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors​.

Can rosacea spread to other parts of the body?

Rosacea typically affects the central face, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. However, in rare cases, symptoms such as redness and irritation can extend to the neck, chest, and ears.

Does rosacea affect people of all skin tones?

Rosacea can affect people of all skin tones, but it is more commonly diagnosed in individuals with fair skin. In darker skin tones, the condition can be underdiagnosed due to the difficulty in detecting redness and visible blood vessels.