Simple Steps to Clear, Glowing Skin

Rosacea: Get the Red Out

Are you often flushed but not embarrassed? Does your skin burn? It may be rosacea, a sometimes painful skin condition that causes the face to appear red. You also may have acne-like breakouts and visible spider veins. Researchers think a combination of hereditary and environmental factors may cause rosacea, but it's not exactly known why the condition develops.

Who's affected: Rosacea typically appears between ages 30 and 50, often striking those with fair skin, light hair and light eyes. Women are more likely to get rosacea, though the symptoms are more severe in men.

Fixes: Topical creams can help. Treatment options include metronidazole (MetroGel or MetroCream) and azelaic acid (Finacea). Some doctors use pimecrolimus (Elidel), which is a cream used to treat the skin condition eczema, as an "off-label" treatment for rosacea, Dr. Robinson says. Ask your doctor to explain the pros and cons and possible side effects of using this medication off-label.

Oral antibiotics prescribed for acne can help rosacea, too. Lasers are yet another treatment mainstay. Dr. Moy favors a combination pulse-YAG laser as it often takes just one treatment. "The technology has gotten so much better," he says.

Reviewed by Jeffrey Benabio, MD on July 8, 2013

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Interview with Ronald Moy, MD

Interview with Bruce Robinson, MD

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