Acne rosacea is a particular type of acne that is usually chronic and can become progressive.  People with this type of acne can have not only the typical “zits” but can have redness or flushing, stinging sensation, prominent blood vessels on the skin, and/or thickened skin and enlarged pores.  There is more inflammation in the overall quality of the acne and the treatment is somewhat different.

  1. Since severe acne can affect patient’s quality of life and be distressing, it will usually prompt a visit to the doctor.  Do you have to see the dermatologist or skin specialist right off the bat?  No.  Unless you have been seeing one anyway and don’t mind paying more for the visit.
  2. Most people will just see their primary doctor for an initially evaluation.  The initial treatment given is the same regardless of who prescribes it.  If your doctor sees signs that are more serious, he will then refer you to the specialist.  For example, if the condition involves the eye or the area around the eyes, you will likely benefit from seeing the specialist.
  3. The doctor will look at the lesions and determine if your acne is rosacea or not.  If so, the usual treatment is topical metronidazole.  If your condition is more severe, you might also be prescribed an oral antibiotic to take along with the topical treatment.
  4. If you have rosacea, you should avoid sun exposure.  Sun screen products can be irritating at times so try to look for products that are fragrant free and contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
  5. Try to use facial products that are mild, have a neutral pH, and have a noncomedogenic (non zit forming) label.
  6. Some people are very much bothered by the redness and little blood vessels that show up on the surface of the skin.  This can sometimes be helped by laser treatment.  Keep in mind that many primary doctors do not have the equipment to provide this treatment and you’ll need to see the dermatologist for this.  The cost will also be substantial more than the topical treatment option.
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