Rosacea

Rosacea is a red facial rash that is most prevalent in 30 to 60 year age group. It is most common in Celtic skin types i.e those of fair skin and blue eyes.

The common symptoms and signs of Rosacea are as follows
• A red face due to broken capillaries and persistant redness. This redness is often triggered by factors such as alcohol particularly red wine, extremes of temperature hot to cold and spicy foods.
• Flushing easily.
• Red spots or papules on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. These spots differ from acne as they are dome shaped not pointed. With acne rosacea there are no blackheads, whiteheads, cysts or lumps (nodules).
• Some individuals complain of sensitive skin which can be aggravated by cosmetics, creams, sunscreens.
• Other Features are red sore gritty eyelids, large nose with prominent pores.

What are your options if you have Rosacea?

General Advice
• Reduce factors that cause facial flushing.
• Never ever apply topical steroids such as hydrocortisone on rosacea affected areas as this will aggravate your condition.
• Use oil-free makeup and sunscreens.
• Minimise triggers listed above such as red wine, alcohol, extremes of temperature hot showers, saunas, and spicy foods.

Medical Treatments
These treatments are available on prescription, so it is advisable to attend your medical practitioner for advice as to which treatment best suits you.
Topical treatments such as metronidazole cream or gel i.e Rozex, Metrotop can be prescribed for short- term or long- term use. Other options are Azelaic acid creams.
Oral antibiotics (e.g tetracyclines, doxycyclines and minocyclines) are very helpful in more severe rosacea.
Their purpose is to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with rosacea. The usual course is prescribed for between 6 to 12 weeks. For some individuals courses of antibiotics may need to be prescribed on and off over years to control the condition.

Laser Treatments
Laser treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light available at Slievemore Laser and Medical Skin Care Clinic can reduce the broken capillaries associated with Rosacea.
Often between 3 and 4 treatment sessions are necessary for a successful outcome.
The treatment is quick gentle and minimally invasive. There may be minimal bruising. Usually there is no interruption of routine activities. By reducing redness and broken capillaries the result is more even luminous younger looking skin. Patients can see dramatic results in a short time.

Rosacea consultations €65
Consultation for Laser treatment for Rosacea €50, redeemable on your first treatment.