Rosacea

Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition which causes flushing or redness in the face, usually the nose, cheeks and forehead. 

It is estimated to effect around 5% of adults worldwide, but is more common in women and people with lighter skin, and often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The symptoms typically come and go, but over time the redness may become more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear.

The symptoms of rosacea vary from person to person, being highly dependent on factors such as skin colour, lifestyle and gender. Most people will not experience all of the potential symptoms of rosacea, which include:

• Facial redness: this can start earlier in life with a tendency to flush or blush, but can become more persistent as people age
• Swollen red bumps: some areas of facial redness can develop red or pus-filled bumps and pimples which resemble acne
• Eye problems: eyes can become dry, irritated and swollen, with rosacea also impacting the eyelids which can become reddened
• Enlarged nose: the skin can thicken, giving the nose an enlarged and bulbous appearance. This is more common in men

Rosacea can sometimes follow a progression, with symptoms worsening over time if not managed. The condition usually affects the centre of the face, but can also extend to other parts of the body in some cases.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, however, it is most likely down to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Possible triggers include:

• Hot drinks and spicy foods
• Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
• Temperature extremes
• Sun or wind exposure
• Emotions and stress
• Exercise
• Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications

Rosacea can result in complications that can impact the skin or eyes over the long-term, but can also lead to emotional distress and impact a person’s mental wellbeing due to the appearance of the skin. Complications can include:

• Persistent redness and inflammation can lead to a thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose.
• Eye complications, including irritation and vision problems.
• Severe skin sensitivity that can complicate daily skin care and exposure to environmental factors.
• Recurrent lesions which causes scarring of the skin over the long-term.

Rosacea and its symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and the first step to effective management of your condition is identifying your specific triggers so that these can be avoided or managed where possible.

If you suffer from rosacea it is also advisable that you protect your face from the sun and try to avoid exposure to the cold as well. You should treat your skin gently and use skincare products that are suitable for sensitive skin.

Stress can also result in flare ups and care should be taken to manage your stress levels and find time to relax.

At RENA, diagnosis starts with a detailed consultation with one of our expert consultant dermatologists. We conduct a comprehensive skin examination and discuss your medical history, focusing on any factors that may trigger the condition. We may use a dermatoscope to closely examine the blood vessels and assess the severity of the skin redness to allow us to put forward a tailored treatment plan which best suits your individual needs.

Effective rosacea treatment focuses on identifying triggers and coming up with a management strategy aimed at preventing the flaring up of symptoms to allow you to manage the condition over the long-term.

The most appropriate treatment will depend on your specific needs, with RENA offering a range of tailored treatments to address the different manifestations of rosacea. Persistent facial redness is often managed with prescription creams that help to reduce inflammation and improve skin tone. For troublesome flushing, anti-flushing medications can be effective in minimising flare-ups. When dilated or prominent blood vessels are present, laser or light-based therapies are typically recommended to reduce their visibility.

For more severe cases, especially those involving red or yellow spots, isotretinoin may be considered. Isotretinoin is an oral medication that works by reducing the size and activity of sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, thereby decreasing oil production and preventing clogged pores. This reduction in oil helps to clear up the spots and reduce inflammation associated with rosacea. Isotretinoin is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to other treatments due to its potency and potential side effects. At RENA Clinics, we assess the specific elements of your rosacea to create a personalised treatment plan that may include isotretinoin if deemed appropriate.