Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea means a "state of redness" and it is a common skin condition that usually affects the face. Whilst the cause is unclear it tends to be genetic and is particularly common in fair skinned European skin. Onset is usually between 20 - 50 years of age. Rosacea is a chronic condition that typically flares up intermittently.

How do I know if I have Rosacea?

The diagnosis is clinical and if you have persistent redness on the centre of your face for over 3 months you probably have rosacea. Main features are flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples and visible blood vessels. Other features include burning or stinging, with dry and thickened skin and sensitivity to cosmetics.

Typical complaints by patients with rosacea are such things as;:

• Red nose and cheeks - "I look like a drinker but I don't drink"
• Flushing - "I always look as if I'm embarrassed"
• Sensitive Skin - "All creams make my face sting or burn"
• Pimples and Pustules - "But I'm too old to have pimples"
• Facial Swelling - "My nose feels thicker or bigger"

What things aggravate Rosacea?

Whilst trigger factors can vary between individuals, things that trigger flushing are known to worsen rosacea. Common triggers include sun exposure, hot or windy weather, hot baths and showers, alcohol and hot spicy foods or drinks. Emotional stress can also exacerbate rosacea as can sensitivity to certain foods.

Types of Rosacea

There are 4 main types of Rosacea and many patients have more than one at the same time.

1. Facial Redness (Erythemato-Telangiectatic Rosacea) - flushing and persistent central facial redness with or without visible blood vessels.
2. Bumps and Pimples (Papulopustular Rosacea) - Also called Acne Rosacea. It is characterised by pimples, lumps and pustules and is usually seen on a background of facial redness.
3. Skin Thickening (Phymatous Rosacea) - Thickening skin, irregular surface nodules and enlargement. May occur on nose, chin, forehead and checks.
4. Eye Irritation (Ocular Rosacea) - Redness or irritability of the eyes. Eyelids may show redness and scaling.

Treatment

Whilst treatment must be tailored to each individual the general advice is:

1. Identify and avoid trigger factors.
2. Avoid irritating skincare products.
3. Use sunscreen and hypoallergenic moisturisers.
4. Treat skin. This can involve use of topical antibiotic gel such as ROZEX or oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocyline to treat the acne component, medical grade lasers to treat redness and vitamin A creams to reduce skin thickening.
5. Makeup that has a green tint is usually the most effective for camouflage.