Rosacea Treatments

Rosacea is a facial skin condition that is very common, affecting 1 in 10 people in the UK. Symptoms usually begin with episodes of flushing, when the skin turns red, which may become a permanent problem. It is also possible to develop what is termed acne rosacea where you have red raised lumps and pustules on the face. In the more severe cases, the skin can thicken and enlarge, usually on and around the nose, or the patient may develop eye problems. There is no known cure for rosacea but treatments can control the symptoms.

Rosacea: Am I suitable?

Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned people and twice as many women as men, although it is usually more serious in men. The symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above then the first stop should be your GP as there are a number of treatments that they can offer that might help with your rosacea. However, there are also a number of aesthetic treatments that target this condition and its symptoms that aren’t available on the NHS.

Rosacea: What do I have to do to prepare?

There are several triggers that can make the condition worse so it is worth identifying if any of them affect you and then eliminating them as best as possible. They include: exposure to sunlight, stress, cold weather, hot drinks, alcohol and certain food such as spicy foods.

Rosacea: What’s the treatment like?

Flare-ups of acne rosacea can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics that your GP will be able to prescribe. To target the blood cells that cause the flushing or redness, then IPL or laser treatments can work. The blood vessels absorb the light or laser energy, which heats them up and seals them, improving the appearance. The treatment also stimulates new collagen growth which improves the appearance of the skin.

Rosacea: What about after?

It is important to be aware that rosacea is what is known as a relapsing condition which means it will keep returning and the severity of the symptoms can vary.