A 21-year-old member asked:
Why are antibiotics prescribed for rosacea? is it a bacterial infection?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Morris Westfriedanswered
Dermatology 48 years experience
No: The antibiotics decrease bacteria which be a factor but are used more as antiinflammator drugs to decrease inflammation. The drugs decrease activity of white blood cells which are overactive in rosacea.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Frederick Covilleanswered
Plastic Surgery 41 years experience
Can be: Although rosacea is not an infection per se, one of the complications of having it is a form of acne. That form of acne usually responds well to metronidazole. This won't cure rosacea, but it can help decrease the inflammation and superficial skin infections. I don't like oral antibiotics for rosacea and try to limit their use to topical products.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can bacterial infections be treated with antibiotics?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Many bacterial: infections can be treated with antibiotics. However, some infective agents may be drug resistant.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
690 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 20, 2014
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