24 May What to Do About Springtime and Summer Rosacea Flareups
Everything is coming up roses when spring is in the air, but for rosacea patients it can be a dreaded season. At RefinedMD, we can help you get your rosacea under control, even in the toughest seasons. Rosacea shows up as facial redness that can be caused by a number of factors. Drug interactions, adult onset acne, alcohol, and allergic reactions are all common causes (or exacerbators) of rosacea. In the spring months, many allergy sufferers are the first to become aware of the changing seasons, and that includes rosacea patients.
Allergies can cause a rosacea outbreak, and spring brings a spike in allergies and hay fever due to pollen. Understandably, this also causes an increase in rosacea. Any changing of the season can cause a rosacea flareup, but spring is often the most challenging. More wind, sun, and outdoors activity can all be a factor. Prevent rosacea flareups by knowing and avoiding triggers. The National Rosacea Society offers a complimentary Rosacea Diary booklet so patients can pinpoint their rosacea triggers.
Summer Months Mean Rosacea
Some patients experience rosacea when exposed to the sun. Avoiding UV rays with a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen 30+ SPF lets patients enjoy the longer, warmer days without risking a rosacea outbreak. A pediatric sunscreen can be helpful for those with sensitive skin. Avoid being outdoors on excessively windy or cold days, or cover the face with a scarf for extra protection.
Spring and summer colds aren’t quite as common as autumn or winter outbreaks, but they do occur. Bear in mind that both colds and allergies can exacerbate rosacea. All rosacea preventative measures pair best with regularly seeing a dermatologist for rosacea treatment. There is no cure for rosacea, but there are lifestyle changes and best practices that can help minimize outbreaks and severity.
Treating Your Rosacea
Patients struggling with controlling their rosacea have a myriad of options available. Trial and error may be required, as well as working with a reputable skin care team. A medication that may have worked for years can seem to suddenly stop. As a person ages, their body and skin changes. Methods for treating rosacea also need to evolve. Here are some common treatments for rosacea:
- Topical Medications: Topical medications are often prescribed as first-line treatment for mild to moderate rosacea. These medications work to reduce inflammation and control the symptoms associated with rosacea. Common topical treatments include:
- Metronidazole: Metronidazole is an antibiotic gel or cream that can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is a topical medication that helps reduce inflammation, normalize skin turnover, and reduce the appearance of papules and pustules.
- Ivermectin: Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication available in cream form that can help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of rosacea lesions.
- Oral Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases of rosacea, particularly when papules and pustules are present. Antibiotics help reduce inflammation and control the overgrowth of bacteria associated with rosacea. Common oral antibiotics used to treat rosacea include doxycycline, minocycline, and erythromycin.
- Topical Brimonidine and Oxymetazoline: Topical medications containing brimonidine or oxymetazoline are used to reduce facial redness associated with rosacea. These medications work by constricting blood vessels in the skin, resulting in a temporary reduction in redness. It’s important to note that these medications should be used sparingly and under the guidance of a dermatologist to avoid rebound redness or worsening of symptoms.
- Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is a potent oral medication typically used to treat severe acne. In some cases, isotretinoin may be prescribed off-label for the treatment of rosacea, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective. Isotretinoin works by reducing oil production in the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy, including intense pulsed light (IPL) and vascular lasers, can help reduce redness, visible blood vessels, and flushing associated with rosacea. These treatments target the blood vessels in the skin, causing them to collapse and fade over time. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
- Skin Care Products: Using gentle skin care products formulated for sensitive skin can help manage symptoms and reduce irritation associated with rosacea. Look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic to minimize the risk of exacerbating symptoms.
It’s important to consult with a skin care expert to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual case of rosacea. By working closely with a healthcare professional and implementing a comprehensive treatment approach, it’s possible to effectively manage rosacea symptoms and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.