I have been told that I have Rosacea. What exactly is this skin disorder?

Rosacea is a common skin disorder characterized by intense redness of the face (sometimes referred to as flushing) around the nose and cheeks. It does look similar to acne but it is a different skin disorder. The skin in rosacea appears more red (inflamed) and there are many small red blisters or pus filled pimples. It is commonly mistaken for Acne. Rosacea is often called Acne Rosacea but the disorder is distinct from the common acne seen in younger people. Unlike acne, blackheads are never seen in Rosacea.  Sometimes rosacea is mistaken for dermatitis or an allergic reaction.

What causes the facial redness in Rosacea?

The red rash on the face (flushing) seen in individuals with Rosacea can come on anytime and is not related to use of alcohol or drugs. The rash is often aggravated by make up, moisturizers, facial make up products and certain soaps.

Who usually develops Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin disorder which occurs in adults and is most common in Caucasians (or those with fair skin). The disorder affects both sexes but is slightly more common in males. Rosacea is most often seen in the late 20s and early 30s.

Does Rosacea cause any complications?

Not physically, but it can cause severe emotional distress. The skin disorder can create a very poor aesthetic feature. Most people who develop rosacea become withdrawn, isolated and develop low self esteem. The disorder often does not immediately respond to treatment and many people develop varying degrees of depression

What happens if Rosacea is not treated?

Rosacea never spontaneously disappears. Without treatment, the disorder progresses and gets worse. Sometimes the skin disorder can flare up and quieten down but in most cases, if not treated, it can also lead to severe disfiguring of the nose. The flare ups of rosacea usually occur every few weeks or months 

What causes Rosacea?

Like most things in medicine, no one knows- bad luck I guess. The skin disorder has been linked to an extreme hypersensitivity of the blood vessels to open up and flush at the slightest irritation. It is the opening up of these blood vessels which mimics the intense red flush on the nose and cheek area.

Is Rosacea caused by a bacterial infection?

Well there is some evidence that the bacteria which causes peptic ulcer disease ( H pylori) may also be responsible for rosacea- but for the moment it is all speculation. Other experts think that perhaps some small skin mites (Demodex folliculorum) which reside on skin may plug the hair follicles and block the sweat pores. However, no one really knows why rosacea occurs

Does alcohol cause rosacea?

Definitely not, but alcohol is known to worsen rosacea. There are plenty of people who drink excessive alcohol and do not have rosacea, and there are plenty of people who have rosacea who have never touched alcohol.

What triggers Rosacea?

The individual’s diet and life style are  two major triggers for Rosacea.
Factors which can trigger or worsen rosacea include:
-         Consumption of hot and spicy foods
-         Intense sun exposure
-         Drinking hot beverages
-         Prolonged use of corticosteroids
-         Intense Emotional distress
-         physical stress or illness
-         exposure to extremes of hot and cold weather
-         extensive use of harsh creams and soaps
-         Use of exfoliating creams
-         Excessive use of chemical peeling agents
-         Frequent Hot baths, saunas
-         Extreme mood (anger)
-         Medications used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure


Control of the trigger factors can significantly reduce the facial flushing and can make rosacea more manageable. However, despite  rigid control of these triggers, many individuals still develop facial flushing.

Can laser be used to treat rosacea?

Almost every cosmetic physician thinks that laser is like “penicillin” and can cure every skin ailment. Lasers only help very few individuals with rosacea. In the majority of cases, lasers cause more harm than benefit. Lasers are also expensive, do not cure rosacea, and are never the first choice of treatment.


There is no clinical evidence that lasers can alter the course of rosacea or prevent recurrence. All lasers do is reduce the redness. This same benefit can be obtained with use of Retinoids for 1/20^th cost and without having to suffer pain or potential complications. If you have any common sense, than avoid laser as the majority of people have worsening of their condition.

Besides antibiotics, what else can be used to treat Rosacea?

Other treatments for Rosacea include the use of Azelaic acid, Flagyl, Retinoids or some sulfur formulations. It is important not to combine these treatments but stick to one that works. What may work for one individual may not always work for another. Unfortunately results from peeling agents suck. However, retinoids do offer superb symptom relief.


When Rosacea is severe enough, it may even require surgery to help reduce the visible blood vessels and remove excess skin tissue from the nose. Remember, surgery is not a cure for Rosacea; it is only designed to reshape the nose.

Are there any medications that can be used to treat rosacea?

When self-care remedies are not adequate to control symptoms, one needs to see a decent skin doctor. For moderate and severe rosacea, oral or topical antibiotics can do wonders. The most common antibiotics used are clindamycin or doxycycline. These antibiotics can rapidly reduce the inflammation and redness. The treatment may be required for several weeks to completely eradicate the symptoms. The treatment of Rosacea requires patience because the disorder generally takes time to resolve. In some cases, prescription antibiotics may be required for many weeks and months. Unfortunately, at least 50% of people with rosacea see no response with antibiotics alone.

What are essential home remedies for Rosacea?

Good skincare is vital to prevent worsening of rosacea. Do not use harsh skin cleansers or peeling agents. Avoid all oily fragrances, moisturizers, cream, and lotions. Creams and lotions with fragrances contain many synthetic chemicals that can worsen your rosacea and even cause allergies.


All individuals with rosacea must regularly use sunscreens when they go out in the sun. Select a water-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Many individuals who have rosacea get worsening of their symptoms after intense sun exposure.


Finally stop applying lotions and potions that are sold on the internet. The majority of these products are scams and only worsen your rosacea.

How do I know what triggers my rosacea?

The only way to identify the triggers is to keep a diary and write down when the episodes occur and what you think was the most likely cause. Over a few weeks or months, you will have a good idea what the trigger factors are. Once you have identified the factors, all you need to do is avoid them or limit the exposure. A lot of clinical evidence reveals that mild to moderate Rosacea can be successfully treated with this simple method.

I have rosacea. What factors can trigger rosacea?

Common triggers that are known to aggravate Rosacea include:


- Exposure to extremes of temperatures (either too hot or too cold)
- Alcohol consumption
- Eating hot and spicy foods
- Intense exercise under humid conditions
- Stress (both physical and emotional)


Unfortunately, in many people there are no trigger factors. The disorders comes and goes without any explanation.

Is there a medication that can cure rosacea?

Every single treatment available today can only control the symptoms. In general, medications used for Rosacea are used to control facial redness, eye irritation, and pimples. No matter what treatment one undertakes for Rosacea, it is essential to avoid or control factors that trigger skin to flush.

I have terrible rosacea. How should I get it treated?

Once Rosacea is acquired, it is important to seek early treatment. Individuals who seek care for their rosacea on cyberspace and from alternative care practitioners usually end up with permanent disfiguring scars. All individuals who have Rosacea should understand from the onset that there is no cure for Rosacea. There is no medication, lotion, potion, herb, nutrient or physician that can cure Rosacea. Rosacea is best treated by a skin physician who has experience with the disorder. The more you muck around with crappy treatments, the worse will your face become.

I have terrible acne and my doctor has prescribed me minocycline. Is this an effective drug?

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is frequently used for treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Minocycline only needs to be taken once or twice a day and can be taken with food, but it is also more expensive than the other tetracyclines. Concerns have also been expressed over its safety and a few deaths have been reported. Even among skin doctors, the use of minocycline is questionable. So far there is not a single decent study that has shown that minocycline is better than other tetracyclines. Considering that the drug is expensive and has undesirable side effects, I personally would not recommend it.