Rosacea

There are two main types of rosacea:

Vascular rosacea:

This particular type of rosacea is characterised by the flushing and persistent facial redness which is typically associated with the condition.

In vascular rosacea, the blood vessels become swollen under the skin, leading to flushing and persistent redness in the central parts of the face. Small blood vessels may also become visible on the face.

In vascular rosacea, the skin is sensitive and some people may experience burning, stinging, itching, swelling, dryness or roughness.

Inflammatory rosacea:

This form of rosacea is characterised by the appearance of bumps (papules) and/or pimples (pustules) on the face. These are common in many people who suffer from rosacea. Some patients may also experience raised red patches, which are commonly known as plaques.

These bumps and pimples come and go and are often mistaken for acne. However no whiteheads or blackheads are present. They appear mainly on the cheeks, but can also form around the mouth, nose, eyes, chin or on the forehead.

Papules and pustules may be accompanied by flushing, but this is not true of every person who has inflammatory rosacea.

Tiny blood vessels can usually be seen with inflammatory rosacea. The skin is easily irritated and inflammatory rosacea can also feel tender, rough or swollen and some people may experience a burning or stinging sensation during a flare up.

Less common types of rosacea are ocular rosacea, which affects the eye area, and phymatous rosacea (skin thickening) which usually affects the nose but can also affect the cheeks, chin, forehead or ears.

Often people experience a combination of different rosacea symptoms. One of our expert dermatologists will be able to identify which type of rosacea you have and how best to treat you

There are four stages of rosacea: pre-rosacea, mild rosacea, moderate rosacea and severe rosacea.  

• Pre-rosacea: People who are prone to flushing or blushing are considered to be in stage one, otherwise known as pre-rosacea. Hot or spicy foods, vigorous exercise or embarrassing situations can prompt flushing or blushing which disappears shortly after the trigger is removed. The blood vessels start to become more sensitive, but there are no signs of damage to the blood vessel walls.
• Mild rosacea: This stage begins when facial redness remains long after the trigger has been removed. This often lasts for half an hour or more. The blood vessels have sustained minor structural damage.
• Moderate rosacea: Facial redness persists for days or weeks. There may be outbreaks of papules and pustules and people may experience swelling or burning sensations.
• Severe rosacea: A small percentage of rosacea sufferers experience stage four rosacea. Severe inflammation can lead to pain, debilitating burning, as well as swelling and intense episodes of flushing. Blood vessels are extensively damaged and leaking. Some people develop rhinophyma, a bulbous enlargement of the nose. 

It is not known what causes rosacea, so unfortunately you cannot prevent the condition itself. However, timely treatment, such as IPL, antibiotics and prescribed creams or gels, can prevent rosacea from getting worse. Avoiding known triggers, such as alcohol, certain foods and excessive sunlight, will prevent symptom flare ups or ensure that any flare ups are less severe. We recommend keeping a diary of what you eat and making a note of potential triggers so you know what to avoid in order to help control your symptoms.

Research indicates that drinking alcohol is a common trigger for rosacea, and can increase the likelihood of a flare-up in an individual disposed to rosacea.

The risk of developing rosacea typically increases with the increase in alcohol consumed.

This is not always the case, however, and rosacea can be triggered by a variety of other emotional, environmental and medical factors.

It is also true that people who do not drink alcohol can suffer from rosacea.

There is no definitive evidence that rosacea is genetic, although it is common that rosacea sufferers also have family members who suffer from the condition.

This is a very common disorder, impacting roughly 1% of the population.

Rosacea sufferers are typically

• Between the ages of 30 and 50 years of age
• Fair skinned
• Blonde haired, blue eyed
• Likely related to someone who also has rosacea
• Likely has or has had acne
• Female

Rosacea is not a dangerous condition in and of itself.

That said, it can cause a serious impact on self-esteem and self-confidence, and have a negative effect on an individual's mental health and wellbeing.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for rosacea. The condition can occasionally get better with age, but this is rare.

The best way to prevent rosacea from getting worse is to treat the condition using IPL, antibiotics or prescribed creams or gels. You should avoid triggers wherever possible in order to prevent flare ups. 

Treating rosacea will prevent it from getting any worse, but you will need to continue with treatment in order to maintain the results. One of the Cadogan Clinic’s expert dermatologists will be able to advise on the most appropriate treatment for you. 

Your results are not permanent, and it is not possible to completely cure rosacea. That said, it can be properly controlled and prevented from worsening via proper treatment.