Rosacea
0 Treatments
9 FAQs
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central facial area, including the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is characterised by persistent redness, visible blood vessels, inflammatory papules and pustules, and in more severe cases, skin thickening. Rosacea tends to fluctuate with periods of flare-ups and remission, and without appropriate management, may progressively worsen over time.
Treatments (0)
Advice for Rosacea
Rosacea manifests through several characteristic symptoms that can vary considerably between individuals. The primary feature is persistent facial erythema (redness), particularly across the central face, which may be accompanied by a sensation of warmth, stinging, or burning. Many patients experience telangiectasia (visible small blood vessels) and transient flushing episodes triggered by various factors. Many patients also experience heightened skin sensitivity with increased reactivity to skincare products, environmental factors, and cosmetics.
Rosacea FAQs (9)
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness, visible blood vessels, inflammatory bumps, pustules, and in some cases, skin thickening. It's not contagious or a result of poor hygiene, but rather a complex condition involving genetic, immune, vascular, and environmental factors.
Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned individuals between ages 30-50, particularly those of Northern European or Celtic descent. Women are diagnosed more frequently, though men often experience more severe symptoms when affected. There appears to be a genetic component, as it often runs in families.
Effective treatments include topical medications such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, and brimonidine for different symptoms. Oral antibiotics, particularly doxycycline at anti-inflammatory doses, are beneficial for moderate to severe cases.
Many people with rosacea report dietary triggers, particularly spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol (especially red wine), and histamine-rich foods like aged cheeses and fermented products. The impact of diet varies significantly between individuals—keeping a food diary alongside symptom tracking can help identify personal triggers.
Yes, stress is one of the most commonly reported rosacea triggers. Stress hormones can increase blood flow to the face and trigger inflammatory responses. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and breathing exercises can help reduce flare frequency and severity.
Without treatment, rosacea often progressively worsens over time, with temporary flares potentially evolving into permanent redness and more significant symptoms. However, early intervention and consistent management can prevent progression. Some people find their symptoms naturally improve after menopause.
Though they may look similar, rosacea and acne are distinct conditions. Rosacea features redness, flushing, and inflammatory bumps without comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), while acne is characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes cysts without persistent facial redness. Many acne treatments can actually irritate rosacea.
Pregnancy often affects rosacea, with some women experiencing improvement while others note worsening symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations.
Alcohol, particularly red wine, frequently triggers rosacea flares through vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and inflammatory effects. Beer and spirits may also trigger symptoms in some individuals. Those with rosacea don't necessarily need to abstain completely but should be aware of their personal tolerance and potential consequences.