How to Help Rosacea Outbreaks
Rosacea is a common skin condition that is often mistaken for acne. It can cause mild symptoms such as flushed, red skin, and red or pus-filled bumps. More serious symptoms include thickening of the skin, burst blood vessels and a red, swollen, bumpy nose. The best way to treat outbreaks is to know what foods and other factors trigger your flare-ups and avoid them, and to use the medication your dermatologist prescribes. If you do have a flare-up, here are some ways you can shorten its duration and get your skin back to normal.
Things You'll Need
- Oral rosacea medication
- Soft cloth
- Gentle skin cleanser
- Topical rosacea medication
- Hypo-allergenic skin cream
- SPF 15 sunscreen
Instructions
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Start using your oral rosacea medication during a flare-up. Because of the side effects of daily oral medications, many people stop taking them or use them less frequently when the flushing and flare-ups have subsided. If you have a flare-up, start taking your daily medication until the flare-up has passed, and continue taking it daily for at least a month.
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Be gentle to your skin. Don't scrub your face with a loofah, washcloth or other exfoliant, because this will make the flare-up worse. Rosacea pimples are not caused by dirt and oil clogging your pores. Wash your face gently twice a day with your hands or a soft cloth using warm (not hot) water and a gentle cleanser.
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Let your skin air dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. When your skin is completely dry, apply your topical rosacea medication. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes, then moisturize with a hypo-allergenic skin cream.
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Leave the bumps alone. It may be tempting to pick at or burst rosacea pustules, but this can prolong the outbreak, create new bumps and even lead to scarring.
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Keep your face as cool as possible. Avoid getting too hot while exercising and bathing, and don't drink alcohol or eat spicy foods during a flare-up. Use SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen whenever you go outside, even if it's cold or cloudy.
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References
- Photo Credit Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
