Overview
Rosacea is a progressive dermatological condition that affects adults. The face—mainly the cheeks, forehead and nose—are the areas most commonly affected. In severe cases, the neck, back and ears may be affected, and the condition may cause swelling of the cheeks and nose. Rosacea causes acne-like blemishes and flushing. The symptoms are cyclic, meaning that sufferers go through periods of flare-ups and remission. Treating rosacea involves careful skin care and medications.
Step 1
Begin treating the rosacea as soon as possible, preferably as soon as you notice a blemish forming or redness on the face. Rosacea is a progressive condition that worsens if it is left untreated, states the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Wash your face with gentle products using a soft cloth. You should avoid vigorous scrubbing or using any harsh products when you suffer from rosacea so you don’t make the rosacea worse.
Step 3
Avoid your rosacea triggers. Spicy foods, overheating and sun exposure are some common rosacea triggers, according to MedlinePlus. Keeping a journal of daily activities and food choices, along with flare-up information, can help you to determine what your individual triggers are so you can avoid them.
Step 4
Wear non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect your sensitive skin from the sun. The National Rosacea Society recommends that rosacea sufferers use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Additionally, you should only use non-comedogenic cosmetics and moisturizer on your face, whether you are in the midst of a flare-up or in remission.
Step 5
Visit a dermatologist. Rosacea is a condition that usually requires prescription treatments to effectively control symptoms. You may be prescribed topical and oral medications that you must take as directed to control the rosacea.
