A daily skincare routine alongside medical treatment can help to improve rosacea symptoms by maintaining skin hydration and barrier integrity. This should include a gentle cleanser, an unscented moisturizer containing humectants and barrier lipids (e.g., ceramides, hyaluronic acid), and sunscreen. Skincare products that cause a burning sensation, or trigger symptoms, should be avoided.[1][2]
Some alternative treatments with a less substantial evidence base are being explored. Hydroxychloroquine is a common treatment for some autoimmune diseases, due to its ability to reduce inflammation through immune system modulation. One small trial found that people with rosacea who took oral hydroxychloroquine saw similar improvements in their rosacea symptoms as those who took doxycycline. This effect is supported by mechanistic studies in mice, but more human studies are needed to determine the role of this medication.[3][4]
Topical benzoyl peroxide, an established medication for acne, may also have a role in rosacea. More specifically, preliminary research has found that microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide — a less irritating formulation — may be beneficial for reducing the number of lesions and overall rosacea symptom severity.[5] However, studies using regular topical benzoyl peroxide have shown contradictory results.[6]
References
- ^Hilary Baldwin, Andrew F Alexis, Anneke Andriessen, Diane S Berson, Patricia Farris, Julie Harper, Edward Lain, Shari Marchbein, Linda Stein Gold, Jerry TanEvidence of Barrier Deficiency in Rosacea and the Importance of Integrating OTC Skincare Products into Treatment RegimensJ Drugs Dermatol.(2021 Apr 1)
- ^Thiboutot D, Anderson R, Cook-Bolden F, Draelos Z, Gallo RL, Granstein RD, Kang S, Macsai M, Gold LS, Tan JStandard management options for rosacea: The 2019 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee.J Am Acad Dermatol.(2020-Jun)
- ^Ben Wang, Xin Yuan, Xin Huang, Yan Tang, Zhixiang Zhao, Bin Yang, Baoqi Yang, Yue Zheng, Chao Yuan, Hongfu Xie, Ji LiEfficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of patients with rosacea: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, pilot studyJ Am Acad Dermatol.(2021 Feb)
- ^Li J, Yuan X, Tang Y, Wang B, Deng Z, Huang Y, Liu F, Zhao Z, Zhang YHydroxychloroquine is a novel therapeutic approach for rosacea.Int Immunopharmacol.(2020-Feb)
- ^van Zuuren EJ, Arents BWM, van der Linden MMD, Vermeulen S, Fedorowicz Z, Tan JRosacea: New Concepts in Classification and Treatment.Am J Clin Dermatol.(2021-Jul)
- ^van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, van der Linden MMD, Arents BWM, Carter B, Charland LInterventions for rosacea based on the phenotype approach: an updated systematic review including GRADE assessments.Br J Dermatol.(2019-Jul)