Award winning dermatology service, with over 20 years on experience
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Rosacea is a chronic condition that usually affects the face and worsens if left untreated. 10% of us suffer from the symptoms of rosacea, particularly in women between 30 and 60 years of age. While rosacea is more common in women, it is often more severe when affecting men. It can be controlled to a degree with long-term treatment.
There are different patterns of rosacea and different patients may experience just one pattern or a combination of different patterns.
Type 1 rosacea: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea describes patients who are prone to flushing and the development of dilated facial blood vessels. This group of patients often describe very sensitive skin.
Type 2 rosacea: Papulopustular rosacea describes an acne-like eruption of red bumps and pustules.
Type 3 rosacea: Phymatous rosacea describes thickening and overgrowth of the thin mostly in older male sufferers and most commonly affecting the nose producing rhinophyma.
Type 4 rosacea: Ocular rosacea occurs when some patients may develop red gritty eyes. Whilst this may get better with some or the oral medications used by dermatologists assessment by an ophthalmologist may be required.
The causes are not fully understood, but environmental factors, genetics and your immune system may all be involved. Stress, weather, certain foods and alcohol can aggravate rosacea, it can also be sensitive to the sun. For reasons unknown, certain foods including chocolates, bananas, avocado, spinach and pork can be pro-inflammatory.
Rosacea is often triggered, so identifying the cause can help you to manage your symptoms. It is also advised to wear a high SPF sunscreen, avoid the heat and sunlight where possible, cover your face during cold weather, use gentle skin care products and try to manage your stress levels.
Rosacea cannot be cured but treatments can be used to control the symptoms. These can include:
Laser treatment for visible blood vessels. This is an effective long-term solution for fixed redness. If you are considering having these light treatments, it is important to seek out medically trained laser specialists who offer these treatments. About 85% of patients who have these treatments improve and are very happy with the results.
Oral medication – This is a low dose version of the antibiotic at a level that does not have any antibiotic properties but is specifically licensed for the treatment of Rosacea in the UK. It is very effective in controlling red spots, papules and pustules.
Skin peels help rosacea by exfoliating the top layers of skin. This speeds up skin turnover and prevents pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, which can aggravate rosacea. Peels can also help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
If you have any concerns about the diagnosis or management of your skin condition, a dermatologist will offer you an expert opinion and guide you on the right treatment path.
Anyone can develop rosacea, but you are more likely to suffer if:
Management includes using products for sensitive skin; topical and / or oral products on prescription; and medical grade laser treatments to target the broken veins, redness and flushing.
You should also:
Depending on the type of light treatment used, some mild stinging or burning may be noticed during the procedure, and the area treated may feel hot for roughly 15 minutes after treatment. However, during treatment the skin is cooled, which reduces this stinging sensation and a cooling gel is applied afterwards.
Rosacea is a skin condition that is commonly characterized by redness and bumps on the face. Flare-ups in rosacea can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme temperatures; certain products including creams or perfumes; spicy or acidic foods; alcohol; UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, as well as stress and anxiety. Getting familiar with potential triggers and creating customised strategies to avoid them is key to managing flare-ups and maintaining skin health.
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Here at St. Michael’s Clinic, Shrewsbury’s leading private skin and laser treatment clinic, our experts are specialists in all aspects of dermatology, skin cancer, anti-ageing and beauty treatments. We are able to offer NHS patients consultant-led dermatology services in Shrewsbury.
St. Michael’s Clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring the best level of treatment is provided to you in a safe environment. We are part of the Dermatology Partnership, a leading group of dermatology clinics, defined by clinical excellence and focusing on leading dermatological care.
