Rosacea

Rosacea (pronounced “roh-ZAY-sha) is a common but treatable skin condition that primarily affects the central face and is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions.

Rosacea usually appears after the age of 30 and tends to become more noticeable with age. Rosacea is seen more often in people with fair skin, light-coloured eyes.

roscea

Symptoms of Rosacea

  • Facial redness and flushing. 
  • Visible veins (spider veins) on  the nose and cheeks
  • Swollen bumps or pimples on the face that look like acne
  • burning or stinging sensation on the skin
  • dry, irritated eyes with red, swollen eyelids (blepharitis)
  • Enlarged nose

 

rosacea phenotype

What causes Rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is not known. It could be due to genetics,  lifestyle and environmental factors or an overactive immune system. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and you can’t catch it from other people. Reaction to the Demodex mite (also known as the ‘eyelash mite’) — a microscopic mite that lives on the skin.

What triggers flare-ups?

Common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, temperature extremes (hot or cold weather, hot baths), dietary factors (alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks), histamine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, fermented items),  emotional stress, certain skincare and haircare products or medications that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medicines,

Risks of Rosacea

Rosacea can cause serious skin and eye complications. 

Left untreated, inflammatory bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases, the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue (rhinophyma). Skin changes can also happen in other parts of the face, including ears, forehead  and chin

In as many as 50% of patients the eyes are also affected, feeling irritated and appearing watery or bloodshot. Untreated eye rosacea can damage your vision.

Management

While rosacea cannot be permanently cured, symptoms can usually be well controlled with a combination of:

  • Lifestyle measures (such as avoiding known triggers)
  • Gentle skin care
  • Medications (topical or oral)
  • Procedures (such as laser or IPL)

One of the most important steps in managing rosacea is learning what makes your symptoms flare up.  Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting what you ate, drank, or did before a flare-up.

Your doctor may prescribe topical (on your skin) or oral (tablet) medicines to help with symptoms. Topical creams (ivermectin, metronidazole, microencapsulated BPO)  or oral antibiotics (doxycycline, istrotretinoin) — can reduce inflammation and bumps on the skin. 

Light treatment (IPL)  may be suggested to treat visible blood vessels or permanent redness. You may need multiple treatments. Over time, rosacea may return and you may need more IPL treatments.

For ocular rosacea, if eye symptoms persist, see your eye doctor as untreated cases can lead to more severe issues like corneal damage

 

Skincare tips for Rosacea

 

  • Moisturise regularly to protect your skin barrier.
  • Use gentle cleansers (avoid traditional soaps, which can irritate the skin). 
  • Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Choose a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), which often suits sensitive skin better than chemical sunscreens.
  • Use non-irritating, oil-free (non-comedogenic) skincare products
  • Avoid exfoliants, scrubs, and peels.
  • Avoid alcohol-based products (like toners) that can sting or dry your skin.
  • Do not use topical steroid creams unless prescribed by your doctor, as they can worsen rosacea.
  • Green-tinted makeup can help reduce the appearance of redness.