ROSACEA PROGRAM

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, causing redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. There are different types and severities of rosacea, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Understanding rosacea, its symptoms, and causes can be key to managing rosacea effectively.

It can be hard to identify if the skin is suffering from rosacea or something else. Rosacea often appears as persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. In some cases, small acne-like bumps or visible blood vessels may also develop.

Rosacea can be mistaken for acne or other skin conditions due to similar features, particularly when breakouts occur alongside redness.

The symptoms of rosacea can vary depending on the type and severity. Common signs include:

• Facial redness and flushing 
• Acne-like pimples or bumps
• Visible blood vessels on the skin 
• Warm or sensitive to touch in affected areas
• Eye irritation or redness 
• Thick or bumpy skin around the nose

Symptoms may come and go, with flare-ups triggered by various factors.

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood; however, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. 

The rosacea redness is largely due to the widening of small blood vessels in the skin, leading to visible flushing.

Common triggers include:

Rosacea is not contagious, but it can be worsened by certain triggers

• Sun Exposure
• Hot or spicy food and drinks 
• Alcohol
• Extreme temperatures, e.g., heat. Cold wind
• Exercise
• Stress or emotional changes
• Certain skincare or cosmetic products

Management of rosacea involves a combination of treatment and lifestyle measures. Options include:

• Prescriptions to reduce inflammation and redness
• Topical management for flare-ups
• Customised skincare routine to minimise irritation

Rosacea cannot be cured; it is considered a long-term condition of which symptoms can be effectively controlled with appropriate treatment.

All individuals with rosacea will need some lifestyle and skincare management. As rosacea is a condition that flares due to triggers, often the best management of rosacea comes from making the right lifestyle changes.

The following changes should be made to either prevent rosacea flares or assist in reducing their severity:

• Avoid triggers - First, identify what triggers rosacea, and then make active changes to avoid known triggers.
• Avoid touching and rubbing the affected areas - aggravating the area can worsen inflammation and the condition.
• Use gentle cleansing products - Avoid using skin products and soaps with fragrance or irritants such as alcohol.
• Protect yourself from the weather - Use UV protection and avoid weather extremes such as extreme heat, wind, or cold.
• Reduce emotional triggers - Use stress management techniques to lessen emotional triggers when possible.

If you are experiencing symptoms of rosacea or want guidance on how to get rid of rosacea flare-ups, taking the first step to understand rosacea and flare-ups can be a useful starting point.

Early discussion can help you better understand and explore appropriate management approaches suited to your individual circumstances.

Connect with a clinical team for a professional assessment and, where appropriate, begin building a plan tailored to your skin