Treatment - Stage I

Topical

Treatment for stage I-rosacea includes topical antibiotics. Their exact mode of action is still unknown, but they are believed to work in rosacea through their anti-inflammatory action.
The following topical antibiotics/ antiinfectives are used:
Metronidazole 0,75% - 2% (available as gel, cream or according to individual prescription)
Erythromycin 0,5% - 2%
Clindamycin 0,5% - 2%
Tetracycline 0,5% - 2%

Azelaic acid 15 %, a newly approved topical treatment for rosacea, could also be tried in stage I, as it has been shown to reduce erythema. The mode of action is probably its antiinflammatory effect.

Topical vitamin C preparations (such as 5% L-ascorbic acid cream) are said to be effective against the inflammation in rosacea and thus reduce erythema. Large controlled studies are lacking, though.



Laser and Light

In treatment of facial telangiectases, the argon laser or flashlamp-pumped long-pulse dye laser may be used. Treatment with an intense pulsed light source, which is no laser, also showed promising results in past surveys.

Electrodesiccation

Facial telangiectases are also treated using a fine epilating needle.