Can Rosacea Be Cured?
Many individuals are curious about this question. A skin disorder that is embarrassing and possibly disfiguring just begs to be asked this question. The answer unfortunately is no. Rosacea does not as yet, have a cure. It is a skin condition that does have treatment options that can bring relief for the symptoms that affect those who have the condition.
Things that trigger flare-ups of rosacea can be recognized and understood so that they can be used to control future flare-ups. Using triggers as a key to prevention, keeping your follow-up appointments with your doctor or dermatologist, following sensible non-irritating skin regimen and making sure that you use any medications as prescribed; all can help to control your rosacea.
Treatment for rosacea is usually a combination of medication, proper skincare regimen, oral and topical antibiotics, avoiding triggers, and if severe rosacea is present quite possibly laser surgery.
Topical antibiotic cream such as metronidazole reduces inflammation as well as the accompanying redness and should be applied and let dry before applying moisturizer or makeup.
Steroid topical preparations are usually not used except in severe cases of rosacea as it can actually induce rosacea. The most commonly used short-term topical steroid preparations are cortisone, Retin-A, Accutane or Elimite cream all of which are prescription strength.
Those who have rosacea can also bring relief by self-care methods such as the following:
Avoiding what triggers your rosacea may include being careful not be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather. Being careful when out in harsh and windy conditions. Exercising in cooler surroundings so you do not overheat and staying hydrated by drinking water before, during and after exercising. You can also avoid irritants in such products like hair spray, moisturizers, makeup and cleansers by reading labels for irritants.
Avoid greasy, drying, or perfumed products on your skin.
Be careful when doing your daily skincare regimen by avoiding hot water (use tepid water), use soft towels instead of rough ones, and do not use loofahs, toners, astringents or exfoliating products.
Some anti-redness creams or cover-up cosmetics are made for and safe to use when you have rosacea so check with your doctor to be sure the ones you select are safe to use and will not aggravate your rosacea.
Whenever medications are prescribed by other than your doctor caring for your rosacea tell them that you have rosacea and should not have any medication that are vasodilating drugs, or topical steroids.
So to answer the question, “Can rosacea be cured?” The answer is within your own understanding of the skin condition rosacea, and the triggers that can lead to another flare-up. Knowing what skin products are safe to use and contain skin irritants so that you can avoid them will help you to keep your rosacea under control. It is not as good as a cure, but knowing that you have some control over the level of relief you can feel can be comforting.
Scientists and researchers are still working on understanding rosacea so that perhaps one day the answer to that question will be yes.
