Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the face and sometimes the eyes. It’s common to mistake this inflammatory skin problem as acne, an allergic reaction, or eczema because of the redness and acne-like bumps it causes on the skin.

Rosacea causes your face and neck to blush or flush more easily. Many sufferers of this skin condition also have small, red, pus-filled bumps, especially on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Other symptoms of rosacea skin include:

• Persistent skin redness
• Facial swelling
• Dry and flaky skin
• Visible broken blood vessels
• Sensitive skin
• Enlarged nose
• Red, irritated eyes

What Are Rosacea Treatment Options?

There isn’t a cure for this skin condition, but there are rosacea treatment options that can help you successfully manage your symptoms and ease your discomfort. Your dermatologist will work with you to design a treatment plan to address the specific type you have, which may include topical medications, oral antibiotics, light therapy, or laser therapy.

Prescription skin creams can reduce redness, inflammation, and acne-like breakouts. Oral antibiotics can ease swelling, reduce redness, and improve acne-like bumps. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people notice a significant reduction in acne-like breakouts after taking oral antibiotics for one month.

Light therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, may also be a treatment option for some patients. This treatment option can also treat acne-like bumps and redness, but it’s not effective for everyone.

Understanding what triggers your symptoms and following a skincare routine are also important aspects of rosacea treatment. Keeping a journal of the foods that you eat can help you identify potential triggers that make your symptoms worse. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding harsh products that irritate your skin can also prevent flare-ups.