Rosacea: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Rosacea (say "roh-ZAY-shuh") is a skin condition that can cause redness, pimples, and red lines on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. It is often mistaken for acne because it can cause outbreaks with bumps like pimples. Rosacea can also cause burning and soreness in your eyes.

Rosacea is usually controlled by using medicine and avoiding alcohol, the sun, and other things that can make rosacea worse.

Your doctor may have prescribed medicines or other treatment. If antibiotics do not control the rosacea, your doctor may try other medicines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

• Protect your face from the sun by wearing hats with wide brims and sunglasses. Try to stay out of the sun or find shade if you need to be outdoors. Use a sunscreen for sensitive skin with an SPF of 30 or higher on any exposed skin.

• Use soaps, lotions, and makeup made for sensitive skin or rosacea. These do not contain alcohol, are not abrasive, and will not clog pores.

• There are over-the-counter skin care products available that are specifically for people with rosacea. These products can help mask facial redness without irritating your skin.

• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face.

• If you have rosacea on your eyelids, put a warm, wet towel, or compress, on your eyes several times a day. Gently wash your eyelids with a washcloth or an eyelid cleanser that is sold in drugstores. Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.

• Make a list or keep a diary of things that may trigger your rosacea. Use the diary every day for several weeks. Avoid whatever you find that makes your rosacea worse. These triggers may include:

  • Harsh weather. Wear a hat and scarf to shield your face from the cold and wind. Use a moisturizer during the winter to keep your face moist.

  • Stress. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise and sleep.

  • Alcohol, spicy foods, or hot drinks. Avoid or limit these if they make your rosacea worse.

  • Getting too hot when you exercise. Try working out for a shorter time. In the summer, exercise during the cool morning hours.

  • Hot showers. Take warm or cool showers and avoid hot tubs and saunas.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.