Rosacea treatment with antibiotics
Rosacea is a chronic and common skin condition characterized pustules, swelling and redness of the face. In early stages, the condition may go into remission and then return, often repeating the cycle. As the condition worsens, however, the skin fails to return to its normal appearance.
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Treatment
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If you think you or someone you know has rosacea, early management may be required in order to keep scarring to a minimum. Rosacea is rarely reversible. Consulting with a dermatologist, along with antibiotic treatment, may lessen the scarring.
Topical Antibiotic
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Topical antibiotic ointments applied directly to the skin can help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with rosacea. The most commonly used are benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin and azelaic acid.
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Oral Antibiotics
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Oral antibiotics generally require a prescription from a physician. Erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline are the most common forms of oral antibiotics used to treat inflammation due to rosacea. A combination of oral and topical antibiotics may be used to treat excessive flare-ups.
Sebaceous Glands
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Reducing the oil produce by the sebaceous glands may help extreme rosacea inflammation. Isotretinoin, sold commercially as Accutane, is an extra-strength antibiotic used to treat rosacea when other antibiotic treatments fail.
Side Effects
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As with most medications, antibiotics have side effects. Those most common in the antibiotics used to treat rosaces are diarrhea, vaginal yeast infection, sensitivity to light, and vomiting.
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