What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a long-term condition that mainly affects the facial skin. It’s more common in women and people with lighter skin, but symptoms can be worse in men. The redness may be harder to see on darker skin
What does rosacea look like?
The first signs of rosacea include:
· Redness across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin that comes and goes
· A burning or stinging sensation when using water or skincare products
The redness may be harder to see on darker skin.
Other symptoms can include:
· Dry skin
· Swelling, especially around the eyes
· Yellow-orange patches on the skin
· Sore eyelids or crusts around roots of eyelashes – this could be blepharitis
· Thickened skin, mainly on the nose (usually appears after many years)
How do you get Rosacea?
It’s not known what triggers rosacea, but some causes can make symptoms worse. Common causes for rosacea include:
· Alcohol
· Caffeine
· Hot drinks
· Spicy foods
· Cheese
· Aerobic exercise like running
Treatment for rosacea from a GP
There is no cure for rosacea, however, treatment from a GP can help control the symptoms and it can get worse if not treated.
Just call 0207 099 5555 now to book a private GP appointment at MyHealthcare Clinic in Fulham, Wandsworth, or Wimpole Street, Central London.
A GP may suggest:
· Prescriptions for creams and gels you put on your skin
· Taking antibiotics for 6 to 16 weeks
· IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment – this may not be available on the NHS
The GP may refer you to a Dermatologist if treatments are not working.
Things you can do to help
Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and it is not contagious, however, there are things you can try to help with symptoms.
If you know that a trigger, for example alcohol or spicy food, makes symptoms worse, try to avoid it as much as possible.