Rosacea
About Rosacea
Rosacea is a facial rash often affecting people between the ages of 30 and 60. It often affects the central face area and is more common in fair skinned people.
Symptoms of Rosacea
The main symptoms associated with rosacea are blushing and flushing. The face can become persistently red and small blood vessels can be seen. The skin on the face of patients suffering with rocacea can often be dry, flaky and more sensitive to creams and chemicals.
It is possible to develop spots (papules and pustules) around the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin area.. The eyelids can also become involved and they can be come red and sore.
It is not fully understood why some people suffer with rosacea but it is thought that it is related to problem with regulation of some of the blood vessels in the face (chronic vasodilation).
It can be made worse by anything that causes flushing e.g. alcohol, caffeine, spicy food or sunlight.
It is important to avoid any triggers e.g. caffeine, alcohol, heat, direct sunlight.
Treatment can be with either creams or tablets. Creams can be used with mild symptoms - the commonest creams used are called metronidazole and azelic acid. These creams need to be used for at east 8 weeks to determine whether they are going to be successful or not.
If you have moderate or severe symptoms you can be treated with antibiotics from the tetracycline group of antibiotics (e.g. ocytetracycline, doxycycline, lymecycline). Usually you need to take the tablets for 3 months but further courses can be taken if symptoms return.
There are other more specialist treatments available if the above treatments are not effective but you will need to be under the care of a dermatology specialist for this.
Start feeling better now
Our doctors are available now to help you with rosacea or any other medical condition which you would normally see your GP about. Book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.
DocTap is featured in
