Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, inflammatory skin condition that makes your face look red or flushed.  You may also experience small pus-filled bumps that can look like acne or other skin problems.

Rosacea isn’t contagious, but there is some evidence to suggest it may have a genetic tendency.  Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are some treatments available that can help control it.

Although rosacea can strike at any time, it tends to occur more in early to mid-adulthood.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

• Blushing, flushing or redness of your cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Persistent redness
• Visible blood vessels on the face (Telangiectasia)
• Bumps or pimples on the face that might sting
• Red or irritated eyes
• You may also notice a thickening of the skin, especially around the nose.  This symptom tends to be more common in men.

What can trigger rosacea?

This varies from person to person, but common triggers can include sun exposure, spicy foods, stress, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, hot weather or certain medications or skin care products.

It is important to understand what triggers your rosacea so that you can try and avoid these triggers.  Keeping a diary is a good way to better understand what triggers your symptoms.

How is rosacea treated?

Because the signs and symptoms of rosacea vary from one individual to another, it is important to see a doctor so that an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.

There is a range of topical and oral treatments that your doctor may prescribe.  Vascular laser (Derma V) or Broadband Light therapy (BBL) may be suggested as these treatments work specifically on redness and blood vessels.  LED light therapy may be recommended to reduce inflammation.

What about skin care?

You should be careful to avoid any topical products that sting or make your rosacea worse.  A gentle skin care routine with non-irritating products is best.  It is important to include sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to protect the skin from sun exposure.

Long-term management

Rosacea requires constant maintenance.  You can improve your chances of avoiding remission by avoiding your flare-up triggers, using appropriate skin care products including sunscreen and by having maintenance treatments to calm redness and reduce blood vessels.