Medication Induced Rosacea Flare-ups

Certain medications can cause or increase the incidence of facial flushing, resulting in rosacea flare-ups. If you experience flare-ups as a result of the following medications, discuss the problem with your doctor:

Vasodilator drugs: These drugs are used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease because of their ability to dilate the blood vessels. In some patients, they have been reported to cause symptoms called "vasodilator rosacea."

Topical steroids: Long-term use of topical steroids has been found to aggravate rosacea or induce rosacea-like symptoms. In one study, symptoms improved for patients who discontinued the steroids and were prescribed antibiotics.

Oral Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics create a two-fold situation. Oral antibiotics have also been known to cause facial redness, edema, or skin irritation and/or sun-sensitivity. You'll also notice oral antibiotics often carry a warning on the label to "take with plenty of water". Use of antibiotics can cause dehydration and often upset the pH balance of the body.