The redness, irritation, and pimples that come with rosacea can be quite bothersome. Many patients attempt to manage these symptoms on their own at first. They turn to acne washes, soothing moisturizers, and in some cases, herbal remedies. Sometimes these measures can ease the symptoms of rosacea, but often, they just leave patients frustrated and without hope. But in a dermatologist's office, patients can find hope again. Here are some ways in which dermatologists can help manage rosacea.
Identification of Triggers
Most patients with rosacea have certain triggers. These vary from patient to patient. Some are triggered by spicy foods. Others are triggered by sunlight, hot water, or certain skincare ingredients. It can be really hard to narrow down your triggers, but a dermatologist will guide you through this process. Often, this is done through an elimination process. At first, you will avoid a wide range of possible triggers. Then, over a period of weeks, you will re-introduce certain triggers, one at a time, observing which ones make your rosacea worse. Once you and your dermatologist have determined what triggers you the most, you can avoid those triggers — which should keep your rosacea under much closer control.
Recommendations of Specific Washes and Moisturizers
The average pharmacy has at least one aisle of face washes and at least one more aisle of moisturizers. Choosing the right one can be tough for someone with normal skin, let alone someone with rosacea. The right wash and moisturizer for you also depend on which ingredients you're most sensitive to. Your dermatologist can make some recommendations, which will save you a lot of trial-and-error and flare-ups.
Prescription Medications
Most patients with rosacea also benefit from prescription medications. You may not need to take these medications permanently, but they can help initially bring your rosacea under control, and they can also help curb a flare-up.
There are a few different medications that may be used. Sometimes, a dermatologist may recommend a course of oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline. Other times, a few weeks on an acne medication, like isotretinoin, can clear up rosacea. Ivermectin, a medication known to kill tiny species of skin mites, is sometimes used as well. None of these medications will get rid of your rosacea forever, but they will greatly minimize it, reduce its severity, and increase the time between flare-ups.
You deserve better than to suffer through rosacea on your own. Reach out to your dermatologist, and let them help you.
To learn more, contact a resource like Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.
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