While rosacea cannot be cured, it can be treated and controlled. A dermatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin, often treats rosacea. Treatment goals are to control the condition and improve appearance. Doctors usually prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as metronidazole, that is applied directly to the affected skin. Tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline are the most common antibiotics used to treat rosacea.
Some people respond quickly, while others require long-term therapy.
Isotretinoin may be considered as a treatment option for all forms of severe or therapy-resistant rosacea. However, isotretinoin is linked to a number of adverse effects, some of which can be severe. Therefore, it is crucial that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking isotretinoin. Women must use an appropriate birth control method 1 month before the initiation of therapy, during the entire course of therapy, and until 2 months after cessation of the drug. The doctor will order a blood pregnancy test before therapy is started and every month during therapy.