Rosacea

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Facial redness is the most common characteristic, often accompanied by small pus-filled spots and broken blood vessels (thread veins). Symptoms of rosacea can flare-up at impromptu moments, which will usually come and go. In more severe cases, the skin can also feel sore and warm to the touch. Both males and females can be affected by rosacea, although it is found to develop more often in middle-aged, white women.

Many people affected by rosacea choose to seek medical help when the condition is persistent and becomes uncomfortable, and especially if it starts to affect the eyes. 

WHAT CAUSES ROSACEA?

Rosacea is often described as an idiopathic concern, meaning it has no specific cause. Research has made some association to factors including: an overactive immune system, genetics and environmental circumstances. Flare-ups of rosacea are also linked to certain triggers which can irritate or inflame the skin, including: hot drinks, sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, extremes in temperature, exercise or harsh products on the skin. 

Thread veins can appear when the symptoms of rosacea frequently occur over a significant period of time. Prolonged or recurring inflammation of the skin and tissues can then lead to dilated blood vessels that become visible on the surface of the skin. 

HOW IS IT TREATED?

To date there is no known cure for rosacea, so the most effective way to ‘treat’ the concern is to relieve the symptoms, and avoiding any known triggers can reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Dr. Grace Kelly Aesthetic Skin Clinic has various in-clinic procedures to help reduce the appearance of visible vessels and reduce inflammation of the skin, including: laser skin rejuvenation, IPL and hydrafacial. Improving the health of the skin can be achieved through regular use of medical grade skincare (such as ZO Skin Health and Obagi), which has products available for skin types that are prone to the symptoms of rosacea.