What is rosacea?

We see patients with rosacea on a daily basis. It’s a condition that affects both men and women – although it’s more common in women, it tends to be more severe in men. Rosacea is a skin condition that usually affects middle-aged people – unfortunately, the causes are still unknown. Rosacea symptoms are associated with a tendency to flush, followed by persistent redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose. Some people have a rash on the central part of the face, often with inflamed red bumps, spots and visible blood vessels. The skin often becomes sensitive and can cause burning, itching, swelling and dryness. The condition tends to relapse, so sufferers will have times when symptoms are more severe than others.

As yet, there is no cure, but rosacea is a controllable condition.

Triggers

Rosacea’s causes aren’t yet known, there are a number of triggers that can make it worse:

• exposure to sunlight
• alcohol
• stress
• strenuous exercise
• extremes of hot or cold weather
• hot drinks
• caffeine
• spicy foods
• harsh exfoliants

What can be done?

Some of the best treatments for rosacea include Intensive Pulse Light (IPL) which targets the blood vessels causing background redness. Typically patients need a course of around four treatments for the best results, but visible improvements can be seen after the first couple of sessions.

Red veins can be treated with Veinwave™ which uses heat energy via an ultra-fine needle to reduce the size of individual veins without affecting the surrounding tissue. Normally, only one or two treatments will be required.

We can also treat rosacea with RegenliteTM Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), which is an extremely versatile laser that can also help with acne, skin tightening, scarring, wart removal and eye lifts! No downtime is needed whatever the condition it can treat.

GP referrals

The Skin to Love nurses and dermatologists understand rosacea as, besides their years of treating this concern, some of them have the condition themselves and have learnt to manage the symptoms. Click here if you would like to book an appointment for treatment to help you manage your condition.  

If your symptoms are severe and persistent, make an appointment to see your doctor. However, patients with rosacea are often referred to us by GPs to manage the effects on appearance and self-esteem.

GP information evening

We are organising an event for GPs and medical professionals on 20 September to introduce our latest aesthetic treatments available at The Skin to Love Clinic. Many GPs refer patients to us when a medical condition has been successfully treated, but there are aesthetic concerns that cannot be treated on the NHS. If you are a medical professional and would like an invitation to our event, please email us at info@theskintoloveclinic.co.uk

For every medical professional attending the events, The Skin to Love Clinic will donate £10 to the Rennie Grove Hospice.

Disclaimer: This blog is not to be used for diagnostic purposes. We are all unique which means that our results, recovery and suitability for any type of treatment will vary. Always seek the advice of a professional should you have any health or cosmetic concerns or to discuss treatments specifically for you.