Rosacea is a common although under recognized inflammatory condition of the face – it affects one in ten people in the UK. Patients suffering from rosacea experience recurrent temporary or persistent redness of the face and/or spots on the centre of the face – the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. In more severe cases there is temporary or permanent swelling of the face, especially the nose. The eyes may also be affected. The skin often becomes sore and very sensitive. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms and they can differ from person to person and may progress from mild to severe.
Dr Anton Alexandroff is a Consultant Dermatologist
Rosacea affects ladies more commonly than men but, interestingly, is more severe in men. It can affect people of any age but usually starts between 30 and 50 years of age. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals with blond or red hair and blue eyes.
There are many factors that can cause rosacea to flare up: sunlight, hot air, and hot food and drinks, alcohol, spicy food, and many others. It is impossible to avoid all of these factors but it is advisable to minimise exposure to them if doing so is possible without restricting your quality of life.
There are many treatments available for this common condition. For most patients, flushing and redness can be managed by daily application of gels which are available of prescription. Permanent redness can be treated with laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The spots and swellings can be treated with topical antibiotics or non-antibiotic treatments such as creams and gels. If necessary non-antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with oral antibiotics (these treatments are available on prescription). It is recommended to use sunscreens (SPF30 or higher) because the skin is very sensitive. If you think you may have rosacea you may consider seeing your GP or dermatologist.
If you would like to read more about Rosacea and available treatments or various other skin conditions in general you can go to Dr Anton Alexandroff’s website: www.alexandroff.org.uk
Dr Anton Alexandroff MRCP (UK), PhD, FRSM, FAAD is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists and Consultant Dermatologist at the University Hospital of Leicester, Spire Leicester hospital & Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
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Thanks for the great run-down about rosacea and the main treatments. You mentioned that suncreens be used by people with rosacea due to the sensitivity of rosacea-prone skin, particularly to UV light. I couldn’t agree more.
on April 18, 2016 at 8:11 pm JulieBC*What would you recommend that I look for in a sunscreen in terms of ingredients that will help to protect my skin without irritating it? My luck with sunscreen seems to be hit-and-miss because I don’t know specifically what to look for except the words “sensitive skin” on the label.
Thanks again!
Dear Julie,
thank you for your question. I would look for mineral (physical, non-organic) sunscreen containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc dioxide. I personally think sun sense range is good.
on April 25, 2016 at 12:28 am Dr Anton AlexandroffI hope this is helpful.
With Best wishes,
Anton
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist in University Hospitals of Leicester, Spire Leicester and Nuffield Health Leicester hospitals
http://www.alexaandroff.org.uk
twitter: your_skin_dr
My roseacea is triggered by heat and it doesn’t help working in a call centre with glaring lights, screens and no windows! Any suggestions how to survive an 8 hour shift in this sauna?!?
on March 28, 2018 at 12:55 pm LindsayFor Rosacea kind of skincare, I would suggest you try dermalmd rosacea serum, I have been going thru terrible red worse acne on my face I had tried one of the kind lotions and not anything regarded to work but I determined to give rosacea serum dermalmd try after seeing some of the images and reviews. Wow! I was amazed after the primary time. It reduced the swelling and the redness almost disappeared.
on January 26, 2020 at 1:55 am Martha