Embarking on a journey to achieve radiant and flawless skin is a goal that many of us share. However, for those dealing with rosacea, this pursuit can often feel like a daunting challenge.
If you’re affected by rosacea then you’ve likely compiled countless questions about how treatment can positively impact your life. London City Skin Clinic aims to equip you with the tools you need to take control of your skin’s wellbeing by empowering you with first-hand knowledge on rosacea treatment options.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes a rash typically on the face, either on the forehead, cheeks, chin or nose. It is more common in women but men tend to suffer more severely from symptoms.
What does Rosacea look like?
Rosacea causes redness on the skin’s surface which causes the face to look and feel flushed. It can trigger a burning or stinging feeling when you use skincare products or water.
Rosacea can appear as:
- Consistent redness on the cheeks, forehead and nose
- Broken blood vessels on the surface of the face that don’t go away
- Small red bumps
Rosacea can also cause:
- Dry skin
- Red skin with acne
- Thick or hard skin, usually on the nose
What is Ocular Rosacea?
Rosacea can affect your eyes and lead to a number of serious eye problems.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have ocular rosacea:
- Dry eyes
- Irritated or bloodshot eyes
- Eye inflammation
- A consistent feeling that there is something in your eye
Ocular rosacea can lead to keratitis so it is vital to visit your GP if you experience any of these issues. This can only be treated by an ophthalmologist and not a skincare specialist.
What causes Rosacea
Rosacea is caused by blood vessels dilating under the skin which causes a flushed appearance. However, the exact trigger of rosacea is unknown.
Common triggers that are known to make rosacea worse include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Sun exposure
- Temperature changes/extreme temperatures
- Sweating
- Stress
- Hot drinks
- Spicy foods
What to do if you have symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea can look like other conditions such as acne, contact dermatitis and Lupus so it is important to see a GP or skincare professional to receive a diagnosis. Seeking diagnosis early can aid treatment and prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
There is no medical test for rosacea although your GP may arrange a blood test or Dermatologist referral to rule out other conditions.
How to help Rosacea
Whilst waiting for treatment, you can do the following to help soothe symptoms of rosacea:
- Avoid triggers, if you know them
- Wear high SPF every day
- Avoid sunlight and humidity wherever possible
- Protect your face in cold harsh weather
- Use gentle skincare products, including those that reduce inflammation
- Take steps to manage your stress
How to treat Rosacea
Rosacea cannot be fully treated but it can be managed medically. It can likewise get worse if left untreated.
Your GP may suggest the following…
Prescription creams and gels: Mild rosacea symptoms can be managed through the application of topical drugs. These are designed to reduce the flushed appearance of your skin and reduce the burning or stinging sensation it causes. Some patients can see results within 24 hours, but medication must be applied regularly.
If you suffer from pimples associated with rosacea then azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea), metronidazole (Metrogel) and Ivermectin (Soolantra) may be prescribed to control outbreaks. It can take longer to see a noticeable effect, but the results will be longer-lasting.
Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are prescribed for moderate to severe rosacea, and further treatment may be required if these are not effective. These range from low dose Tetracycline antibiotics that work on inflammation rather than reducing bacteria, to higher doses that act more as antibiotics.
Specialist skincare advice: Bespoke skincare advice and treatment can be one of the most effective ways of treating rosacea. It is never too late to review your skin regime, and to consider optimising skin quality, with a focus on reducing the redness associated with Rosacea. At London City Skin Clinic, we offer Advanced Skincare Treatments that are tailored to your skin and the conditions impacting it. In particular, we focus on making your skin healthy, improving the skin barrier function and reducing inflammation with high quality topical skin care products.
If you feel affected by your rosacea, look no further than London City Skin Clinic, as we can provide a wide range of Rosacea treatments that can improve the appearance of your skin. Book your cosmetic dermatology consultation today for a bespoke skin assessment and treatment plan with Dr. Robby Bajaj.
020 3488 8469 | info@londoncityskinclinic.com
