Creams are still best for treating rosacea

Laser or light-based treatments are less effective than rubs and certain drugs at easing the skin condition rosacea, according to scientists at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

The researchers analysed 106 trials of 67 treatments for rosacea — which causes facial redness, spots and a burning sensation — to discover which are best at calming the condition.

They found that a rub made of azelaic acid, a compound found in wheat, rye or barley that is available from High street chemists, and isotretinoin, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat acne, were among the most effective treatments.

There was much less evidence to support the effectiveness of laser or lightbased treatments.