How can YOU minimise the effects?

ROSACEA

What is Rosacea and what are the symptoms?

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition which affects facial skin causing it to become prone to redness. It can affect anyone, but mainly occurs over the age of thirty. Depending on where you are in the world, rosacea affect approximately 5% of the population, with higher rates in some countries.

People who experience rosacea present with a combination of facial redness, spots and bumps and sensitivity of the skin.  They may have just one of these features or a combination of them.

Dr Emma is very experienced in treating rosacea and combines her expert knowledge of medical dermatology, skin care and lifestyle factors to create bespoke individualised plans to manage rosacea.

How can Dr Emma help?

A diagnosis of rosacea may be upsetting as there is a common misconception that there is nothing you can do about. This is entirely untrue and the sooner you start on a plan to manage rosacea, the more effective treatment can be.

Dr Emma’s consultation for rosacea will include an in-depth assessment of your skin and general health and your lifestyle followed by a detailed examination. Dr Emma may recommend further investigations such as blood or skin samples. Then a comprehensive treatment plan which will involve skin care, medical treatments and lifestyle recommendations will be agreed upon.

What causes Rosacea?

Rosacea is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Approximately a third of patients will have a family history of the condition. We don’t entirely understand what the genetic basis of rosacea is, but the answer is likely to lie in the way the skin’s immune system works and the production of different signalling chemicals known as cytokines.

Rosacea is more common in later life and in people who have lighter skin tones.  It is thought that UV exposure is associated with higher rates of rosacea.  Triggers may vary amongst different people, but include sunlight, spicy food and alcohol.

In addition, people who suffer from rosacea have higher rates of bowel problems.  This includes symptoms like bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain, as well as conditions like SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).  A healthy gut microbiome is important to reduce further inflammation.

What are the different types of Rosacea?

Type 1

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), characterized by redness and broken blood vessels on the face.

Type 2

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR), presenting with red bumps and pustules over the face, predominantly in the central areas of the face – nose, cheeks and chin.

Type 3

Phymatous rosacea marked by thickened skin and a bumpy texture – particularly on the nose (rhinophyma).

Type 4

Ocular rosacea – rosacea can affect the eyes causing redness, itching and burning.

Treatment Options

Dr. Emma’s holistic and scientific approach to Rosacea treatment addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes.

Lifestyle

UV protection is a key part of managing rosacea. Some people with rosacea prone skin will find that sunscreen can sting and burn. Dr Emma can help find you the right formulation which you can use regularly.

Minimising exposure to triggers is important – for example avoiding excessively hot environments like saunas, reducing alcohol and avoiding specific foods where possible.

Optimising your diet is important to ensure a healthy gut and probiotics may be recommended.

Skincare

Maintaining the skin barrier and optimising the microbiome of the skin is essential for rosacea management because impaired barrier function can exacerbate the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Skin care needs to be gentle and hydrating, without blocking pores or making hormonal acne worse.

Prescription Creams

There are a number of different creams that can be useful, particularly for the spots and bumps of rosacea. These include topical antibiotics, ivermectin, azelaic acid and topical pimecrolimus. Dr Emma can advise on which would be most suitable for your individual skin type.

Tablets

For the more severe changes of rosacea, tablet treatment may be needed. There are a number of different types of antibiotics which can be used. Often these are used at much lower doses than conventional antibiotics, but for longer periods of time. Antibiotics can work very well for the spots and bumps of rosacea.

Other medication such as low dose isotretinoin, beta blockers, low dose paroxetine and other medication may be used in cases which are harder to treat or haven’t responded to standard treatments. Dr Emma can talk you through the different tablet options and advise right treatment for your individual condition.

Procedures

The redness of rosacea may require procedures to help alleviate it. Energy based devices can be very useful, particularly:

1) Intense pulsed light (IPL)

2)Pulsed dye laser (PDL)

3) Nd:Yag laser

Other procedures such as low dose botulinum toxin may also help to reduce redness and flushing.

A Word from Dr Emma

“Rosacea doesn’t have to define your life. With the right combination of treatments and a bespoke approach, clear skin is achievable. My goal is to help my patients feel confident, supported, and empowered every step of the way.”