Medications May Aggravate Rosacea

Certain medications can trigger or aggravate rosacea signs and symptoms, according to Dr. John Wolf, chairman of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.

"Rosacea can worsen for some patients from taking vasodilator drugs because of their ability to dilate the blood vessels," he said. "Beta blockers and niacin (vitamin B3) may also cause blood to rush to the face, resulting in a rosacea flare-up."

Use of topical steroids has been found to aggravate rosacea or induce a rosacea-like condition in many individuals. "Topical fluorinated steroids can cause a flare-up in those individuals susceptible to rosacea," Dr. Wolf said.

Patients should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors if medications they are taking for other conditions may cause rosacea flare-ups