Rosacea

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic but treatable skin condition that primarily affects the central face and is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Although rosacea may develop in many ways and at any age, patient surveys indicate that it typically begins any time after age 30.

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Typical rosacea symptoms include:

• Redness, rash or blushing across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.
• Appearance of thread veins around the nose and cheeks
• Acne like breakouts
• Burning or Facial stinging using cosmetics.
• For some patients it can be bloodshot irritable and watery eyes

Left untreated, inflammatory bumps and pimples often develop, the redness worsens and in severe cases — particularly in men — the nose may appear thickened and lumpy.

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The Cause

The cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, however symptoms have advanced to where they can be managed with medical intervention. People usually seek rosacea treatment for one or more of the following reasons:

• To reduce redness and itchiness
• Alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Prevent symptoms from getting worse.
• Improve confidence and reduce anxiety.

If you suspect you may have Rosacea we encourage you to see a skin specialist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment — before the disorder worsens and has a significant impact on your daily life.

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How do we treat Rosacea

Treatment must be based on an individual assessment as the symptoms differ from one person to another. We use a range of oral and topical medications to use to treat the various signs and symptoms associated with this skin disorder. In clinic we offer a skin consultation when you may be prescribed medication specifically to control the redness.

Bumps and pimples often receive initial treatment with oral or topical treatments to bring the condition under control, followed by long-term use of anti-inflammatory treatments to maintain remission. If appropriate lasers, intense pulsed light sources or other medical devices may be used to remove visible blood vessels or to correct disfigurement of the nose.

Ocular rosacea may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and if required referral to ophthalmology may be required.

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Skin Care

It is important to select skin care that is compatible with rosacea. Skin care can be directed by a therapist during a 10 min free consultation however, if required you will be referred to a member of our clinical team for a skin consultation.

We recommend Non-irritant products with anti redness properties as prescribed in clinic and most importantly sun protection protect the skin from sun exposure with an SPF of 30 or higher. Cosmetics may be used to conceal the effects of rosacea.