Subtype 1 Rosacea

• Subtype 1 rosacea, characterized by persistent redness in the cheeks and nose, is managed by controlling the triggers that worsen the redness. The most common triggers include alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil. Avoid products that contain these ingredients. Protect skin from future irritation by applying sunscreen and a barrier-repair emollient daily, which protects the skin from environmental irritants.
  If rosacea still persists, prescription topical medications can reduce inflammation and redness. Medications such as azelaic acid, metronidazole, retinoid and sodium sulfacetamide reduce redness and inflammation within several months of use.
  
  

Subtype 2 Rosacea

• Subtype 2 rosacea, characterized by bumps and small, red pimples, is eliminated through antibiotics and topical rosacea medications. Topical rosacea medications include azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur lotions. When used as prescribed, a combination of antibiotics and rosacea ointments reduce bumps and pimples within two months. If it does not respond to these treatments, glycolic acid peels and doxyclcline also help reduce bumps and pimples.
  
  

Subtype 3 Rosacea

• Subtype 3 rosacea, characterized by skin thickening around the nose, chin and cheeks, is treatable through surgery. Laser and light therapy, which removes the first layer of skin, smooths the skin and removes bumpy, thick areas. Dermabrasion sands the first layer of skin to reduce thickness on the nose, chin and cheeks. Electrocautery, a surgical procedure that uses an electrode to remove skin, scrapes off the first layer of skin to reveal smoother, thinner skin. All procedures carry some side effects, however, including increased redness, swelling and bruising.
  
  

Subtype 4 Rosacea

• Subtype 4 rosacea, characterized by watery, bloodshot eyes and eye irritation, is treatable by using artificial eye drops and prescription medication. Artificial eye drops reduce redness and irritation in the eye, whereas medications, such as antibiotics, reduces severe irritation and inflammation around the eye.
  
  

All Types of Rosacea

• To reduce rosacea for all subtypes, certain lifestyle changes can reduce flare-ups. According to the Mayo Clinic, wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher each day reduces redness. Avoid touching or rubbing the affected skin to prevent further irritation. Look for products with keratoplast to reduce redness and try a green- or yellow-tinted skin treatment to lessen the appearance of redness.