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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  How should red skin blotches called rosacea be treated?
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How should red skin blotches called rosacea be treated?

by Dr Howard Lee

question
I have recently started suffering with rosacea for the first time in my life. It was cleared up with a long course of antibiotics prescribed by my GP, but it keeps re-occurring with red spotty blotches, only on my face. I don’t want to go back on antibiotics, as they upset my stomach. Will I always have it now, and what can I do? I know about avoiding spicy foods and alcohol.

answer
I am so sorry to learn of your very frustrating condition. Rosacea, like acne in youngsters, is very common. The involvement of the central forehead, nose area and high cheeks couldn’t be ‘better placed’ to be on show to everyone.

It is an accentuation of the normal flush reaction, and, as you already state, can be made worse by spicy foods and alcohol. You must also try to avoid the extremes of temperature and try to reduce emotional tension too. I know this is easy to say, but this does have a good effect on the skin. Antibiotics are the long-term solution, and as there are so many one can probably be found that doesn’t upset your stomach.

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