Rosacea

Rosacea intro

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Rosacea is estimated to affect a humongous 3% of the population. It is something that leaves hundreds of thousands of sufferers feeling very self-aware and, unfortunately, red-faced in more ways than one.

In spite of this, 95% of Rosacea sufferers remain undiagnosed, allowing symptoms such as excessive flushing, redness, pimples and inflammation to go entirely untreated. Whilst symptoms can appear to settle on their own, Rosacea is a chronic condition which works on a cycle of flare-ups and remissions, meaning that respite is only temporary with the condition lying dormant beneath the surface. As we age, this redness can deepen and if left untreated, become a permanent state that is no longer able to be controlled or regulated by the body alone.

So, what actually is it?

What is Rosacea?

Where is this redness coming from?

Rosacea is a non-infectious condition characterised by redness, flushing of the face, pimples, bumps, vascular lines, inflammation and eye irritation. Severe cases may even lead to Rhinophyma: the enlargement of the cells in the nose causing visible swelling.

Rosacea is a condition which typically afflicts the face, most commonly across the cheeks, nose, and forehead - the arrangement sometimes referred to as the 'butterfly pattern' due to the shape it forms across the centre third of the face. Rashes and skin problems commonly occur in this way because of the arrangement of blood vessels underneath the skin - the redness a result of broken or dilated capillaries. Although rare, Rosacea has also been known to affect the neck, chest, scalp, ears and back.

The root cause of Rosacea is still undetermined, although it has been thought to be linked to abnormalities in facial blood vessels, bacterial imbalances of the skin or gut, various autoimmune conditions, and certain kinds of dietary intolerances such as dairy, gluten, soy, and citrus.

How Can I treat Rosacea?

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While Rosacea cannot be cured as such, symptoms can certainly be eliminated. Firstly, you should begin to assess your triggers by paying attention to how the skin behaves day-to-day in response to certain foods, skincare products and cosmetics- all of which have been known to exacerbate the condition for certain sufferers.

'Rosacea' has 4 classifications, each requiring a slightly different course of action. It should be noted that not everyone will experience them all, and understanding your particular case is key in learning to control your Rosacea. The 4 classifications are:

Grade 1 - Redness and flushing - a.k.a. 'Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea'

Grade 2 - Redness, pimple breakouts and broken capillaries - a.k.a. 'Papulopustular Rosacea'

Grade 3 - Inflammation, thickening of the skin and Rhinophyma - a.k.a. 'Phymatous Rosacea'

Grade 4 - Irritation, burning and swelling of the eyes - a.k.a. 'Ocular Rosacea'

Treatment for Rosacea can consist of anything from antibiotics and a topical application of a cream to courses of cosmetic treatments such as facials, chemical peels or laser resurfacing. These approaches will work to take down inflammation, kill off any broken blood vessels, soothe pimples, neutralise bacteria and stimulate healthy cell activity.

If you feel you are battling undiagnosed Rosacea or are at all unsure how to manage your existing Rosacea, come and talk to one of the Harley Street Skin team - for free - today!