Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by papules, pustules, telangiectasia (“broken blood vessels”), sensitive and painful skin. It can cause facial redness and flushing. Sometimes it impacts eyes causing a feeling of gritty eyes. In advanced cases it can cause enlarging of the nose i.e. rhinophyma. Flushing and redness can become fixed if not treated.
Theres’ a genetic component meaning it runs in families. Another contributing factor is a predominance of the demodex mite on the facial skin. Most people have demodex on their face but patients with rosacea have a larger burden of the mote and a heightened immune response to them.
This condition is common in Irish people and sometimes referred to as “The Curse of The Celts”. It’s very commonly mistaken for acne but treatments are different so it’s important to get the diagnosis correct before treating.
The first thing for rosacea is to avoid triggers; common triggers are spices, alcohol, coffee and heat. When it comes to over the counter ingredients look for Sulfur. De La Cruz does a great one. I got mine on iHerb. Azelaic Acid and Tanexamic acid are also good; The Inkey List do both. Consider a green primer to camouflage the redness; Bare Minerals do a nice one. Use a gentle, bland cleanser. Can’t beat Cera Ve hydrating cleanser for this.
Supplements that may help with rosacea include Zinc, Omegas and Magnesium.
On prescription: higher strength Azelaic Acid eg. “Finacea” or “Skinoren”. Both safe in Pregnancy. Then there’s topical Ivermectin i.e. “Soolantra”. GP or Dermatologist can prescribe. Red Light devices can also help reduce redness.
Other options to bear in mind are a course of antibiotics to settle flares or topical topical brimonidine or oxymetazoline for rapid relief from redness. Less commonly used is topical erythromycin or metronidazole. Lasers are useful to get rid of telangiectasia. And Roaccutane can be used for severe cases. Surgery is sometimes indicated for rhinophyma.