Three Non-Prescription Treatments To Ease Your Rosacea Symptoms
Posted on: 7 July 2016
If you are diagnosed with rosacea, your dermatologist will likely recommend antibiotic cream or lotion to fight the bacteria that contribute to the condition. But what if you can't tolerate these prescription creams? Every case of rosacea is different, so what works for others may not work for you -- but these three over-the-counter treatments are worth a try.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide-based treatments are typically used to treat acne, but they can be effective against rosacea, too. You have your pick of washes, creams, gels, and rinses that contain benzoyl peroxide. Whichever you choose, make sure you only use one product that contains this ingredient. For instance, if you use a benzoyl peroxide face wash, you should not also use a gel and a spot treatment that contain benzoyl peroxide. This is because using too much of the medication can excessively dry out your skin and make it even more red. Start by using your benzoyl peroxide treatment just once per day, and then once your skin adapts, switch to using it twice per day.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil has natural antibacterial properties, so it can be helpful for fighting rosacea. There are plenty of tea tree oil-based washes available at pharmacies, but if you choose to go this route, make sure you choose one without any other added scents or dyes as these may make your rosacea worse. An alternative is to purchase a mild, unscented face wash along with a bottle of tea tree essential oil. Combine a drop of the tea tree oil with a small amount of the face wash before each use. Make sure you're purchasing high-quality tea tree oil from a reputable brand as some inexpensive bargain brands may be diluted with olive or coconut oil and have less of an effect as a result.
Yogurt
The idea of putting yogurt on your face may sound strange at first, but consider that yogurt contains a lot of beneficial bacteria that can help fight off the harmful bacteria that are causing your rosacea. Purchase plain Greek yogurt as its consistency makes it less likely to run down your face. After removing any makeup and washing your face with a mild face wash, smooth the yogurt over your face, and let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse it away with clear water, and pat your face dry. You can repeat this treatment daily. Talk to a doctor, like East Carolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery, PLLC, for more help.
Share