Doctor’s Note: Your Essential Guide to Rhofade for Rosacea

As dermatologists, we know that managing rosacea can be a challenge. Persistent redness and flare-ups can impact self-confidence, and finding the right treatment can take time. RHOFADE is one option that may help reduce facial redness in people with rosacea. Here, we’ll explore how RHOFADE works, its benefits, side effects, and tips for using it effectively.

Watch the video to the right, or read on for more!

What Is Rhofade?

RHOFADE (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) is a prescription topical cream specifically designed to reduce facial redness in people with rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps, most commonly on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. RHOFADE works by narrowing blood vessels in the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of redness. It is applied once daily and is intended for short-term relief rather than a permanent cure.

RHOFADE is often recommended for patients with moderate to severe rosacea-related redness. It’s an effective option for people who experience consistent facial redness but may not address other rosacea symptoms, like bumps or thickened skin. Because rosacea is a chronic condition, RHOFADE works best as part of an overall skincare routine tailored to rosacea.

Rhofade

How Does Rhofade Work?

RHOFADE contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a medication that constricts blood vessels in the skin. In rosacea, blood vessels in the face can become enlarged, leading to visible redness. Oxymetazoline, the active ingredient in RHOFADE, targets these blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin’s surface. This effect helps to temporarily reduce redness, giving the skin a more even tone.

The effects of RHOFADE typically last up to 12 hours, so it’s applied once in the morning to manage redness throughout the day. Although RHOFADE won’t cure rosacea, it can be very helpful for managing visible symptoms, especially for people who feel self-conscious about persistent redness.

Benefits of Using Rhofade for Rosacea

RHOFADE offers several key benefits for people dealing with rosacea-related redness:

  • Quick Redness Reduction: RHOFADE starts to work shortly after application, helping to reduce visible redness within a few hours.

  • Long-Lasting Effects: Each application lasts for up to 12 hours, so it can provide coverage throughout the day.

  • Targeted Relief: RHOFADE specifically targets facial redness, which is often one of the most noticeable and frustrating symptoms of rosacea.

  • Simple to Use: RHOFADE is easy to apply as part of your morning routine. Simply apply a small amount to the affected areas and allow it to absorb before using other products or makeup.

While RHOFADE is effective at reducing redness, it’s important to remember that it only addresses one aspect of rosacea. Other treatments may be needed to control bumps, thickened skin, or other symptoms. RHOFADE is also ideal for those who need occasional, on-the-spot redness relief.

Who Should Consider Using Rhofade?

RHOFADE may be a good choice for people with moderate to severe rosacea-related redness who want a fast-acting option to reduce facial redness during the day. It’s particularly useful for those who experience facial redness but don’t have other significant rosacea symptoms, like bumps or acne-like pustules. If you feel self-conscious about redness and are looking for a product that can quickly reduce it, RHOFADE might be worth considering.

However, RHOFADE is not a treatment for mild or occasional redness. People with only minor redness or those who don’t have rosacea may not need such a targeted medication. Your dermatologist can help you decide if RHOFADE is the right option based on the severity of your rosacea and other symptoms.

Flushing Rosacea

How to Use Rhofade

Using RHOFADE is simple, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to get the best results and avoid irritation:

  1. Start with Clean Skin: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Make sure your skin is completely clean and dry before applying RHOFADE.

  2. Apply a Thin Layer: Take a small amount of RHOFADE (about a pea-sized amount) and apply it to the areas with redness, usually the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Gently rub it in until it is fully absorbed.

  3. Use Once Daily: RHOFADE is designed to be used once a day, preferably in the morning. Applying more than the recommended amount will not increase effectiveness and may lead to side effects.

  4. Let It Absorb: Wait a few minutes for RHOFADE to fully absorb into the skin before applying other skincare products or makeup. This helps ensure that it works effectively throughout the day.

Possible Side Effects of Rhofade

While RHOFADE is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects. The most common side effects include:

  • Skin Irritation: Some people may experience redness, itching, or dryness at the application site. If irritation occurs, you may need to adjust how much you apply or how frequently you use it.

  • Worsening Redness: In rare cases, people may experience worsening redness after applying RHOFADE. If this happens, stop using the product and contact your dermatologist.

  • Eye Irritation: Avoid getting RHOFADE near your eyes, as it may cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eye area.

If you experience any unusual side effects or if symptoms worsen, it’s important to speak with your dermatologist. They can help you decide if RHOFADE is the right treatment or suggest alternative options.

Sensitive Skin

Understanding the Cost of Rhofade

RHOFADE can be an expensive treatment for rosacea, which often raises questions like, why is RHOFADE so expensive? The cost of RHOFADE is partly due to the specialized formulation of oxymetazoline cream, designed specifically for facial redness. Some patients look for ways to reduce the RHOFADE cost by using a RHOFADE coupon or checking if there is a generic RHOFADE alternative. However, as of now, there is no generic version of RHOFADE available.

Insurance may not cover RHOFADE in all cases, so it’s helpful to check with your insurance provider to understand your options.

Doctor's Note

Rhofade vs Mirvaso?

Rhofade and Mirvaso are both prescription creams used to treat redness caused by rosacea, but they work a bit differently. Rhofade contains oxymetazoline, and Mirvaso contains brimonidine. Both ingredients help narrow blood vessels, which reduces redness. Rhofade starts working in about 3 hours and lasts up to 12 hours, while Mirvaso starts working faster, in about 30 minutes, and also lasts up to 12 hours. Both creams are usually applied once a day in the morning.

Rhofade can cause side effects like skin irritation, redness, itching, and pain, while Mirvaso may lead to redness, burning, headaches, and sometimes worse symptoms after it wears off. Both creams can be expensive, often costing over $500 for a 30-gram tube, and insurance coverage may vary. While both treatments are effective, people may respond differently to each one, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about which option might work best for you.

Rhofade

Rhofade

  • Active Ingredient: Oxymetazoline

  • Start Time: Works in ~3 hours

  • Duration: Lasts up to 12 hours

  • Application: Once daily, usually in the morning

  • Side Effects: Skin irritation, redness, itching, mild pain

  • Cost: Over $500 for a 30-gram tube, insurance varies

Mirvaso

Mirvaso

  • Active Ingredient: Brimonidine

  • Start Time: Works in ~30 minutes

  • Duration: Lasts up to 12 hours

  • Application: Once daily, usually in the morning

  • Side Effects: Redness, burning, headaches, possible worsened symptoms after wearing off

  • Cost: Over $500 for a 30-gram tube, insurance varies

Rhofade FAQs

What is the best prescription cream for rosacea?
The best prescription cream for rosacea depends on the type and severity of your condition. Common options include Rhofade (oxymetazoline), Soolantra (ivermectin), and Finacea (azelaic acid). Your dermatologist can help determine the most effective option for you.

What is oxymetazoline hydrochloride?
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is a topical medication used to treat persistent facial redness (erythema) caused by rosacea. It works by constricting blood vessels to reduce redness.

Why is Rhofade so expensive?
Rhofade is expensive because it is a branded prescription medication. Costs are influenced by the research and development behind the drug, as well as manufacturing and distribution expenses. Insurance coverage and generic alternatives may help reduce the cost.

What is Rhofade?
Rhofade is a prescription cream containing oxymetazoline hydrochloride, specifically designed to reduce persistent facial redness in people with rosacea. It is applied once daily and provides temporary relief from redness by narrowing blood vessels in the skin.