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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Does Rhofade Really Work?
Yes, Rhofade works for many people. It helps reduce the redness caused by rosacea. In clinical trials, many patients saw less redness after using it for several weeks.
How Long Does it take Rhofade to work?
Rhofade can start working within 3 hours after you apply it. The redness reduction can last up to 12 hours.
What are the Side Effects of Rhofade?
Some possible side effects of Rhofade include skin irritation, a rash, itching, or pain where the cream is applied. If you have severe side effects or if your symptoms get worse, stop using Rhofade and talk to your doctor.
Can You Use Rhofade Everyday?
Yes, you can use Rhofade every day. It’s usually applied once a day in the morning. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use it.
How Expensive is Rhofade?
The cost of Rhofade can vary. Without insurance, it can be quite expensive, sometimes over $500 for a 30-gram tube. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover it or if there are any discounts available.
Can You Wear Makeup Over Rhofade?
Yes, you can wear makeup over Rhofade. Just let the cream dry before applying your makeup.
Do You Put Rhofade on Before or After Moisturizer?
Before moisturizer. If you put Rhofade on after moisturizer, not as much medication will reach the skin.
Is Rhofade a Steroid?
No, Rhofade is not a steroid. Steroids should not be used if you have rosacea.
Is Rhofade Covered by Insurance?
Rhofade might be covered by insurance, but it depends on your specific insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they cover it and what your copay would be.
Is Rhofade Permanent?
No, Rhofade is not a permanent cure for rosacea. It helps reduce redness for up to 12 hours, but you need to use it every day to keep seeing results.
Is Rhofade the same as Ivermectin?
No, Rhofade is not the same as ivermectin. Rhofade contains oxymetazoline, which reduces redness. Ivermectin is another treatment for rosacea that works by reducing inflammation and killing mites on the skin.
What can I use Instead of Rhofade?
If Rhofade isn’t right for you, there are other treatments for rosacea. To reduce redness, there is another topical prescription called Mirvaso.
How Long has Rhofade Been on the Market?
Rhofade has been available since 2017. It was approved by the FDA to treat the redness associated with rosacea.