Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which typically affects the central face. It is mainly characterized by its colour – red.

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

It can present as red, raised papules or pustules similar to acne. However, unlike acne, rosacea lesions are dome-shaped and there are no whiteheads, blackheads or nodules.

Commonly described symptoms of rosacea include:

• Flushing or blushing
• Prominent facial blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Dry, flaking skin
• Aggravated by heat, sun exposure, stress, hot and spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine
• Sensitive to skin care products
• Eye or eyelid irritation
• Enlarged nose with prominent pores (rhinophyma)

What can I do on my own to reduce my rosacea?

Limit and reduce flare provoking skin care or diet.

Use year round life-long sun protection. Not just sunscreen, but a broad-brimmed hat, take shade, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to the full treatment area and reapply every two hours even when not outdoors. In summer months, swimming or when excessive sweating occurs more frequent application may be required. Sunscreens which contain iron oxides as they provide more ultraviolet radiation. Or alternatively applying sunscreen with a makeup containing SPF may provide iron oxide sun protecting properties.

Gentle skin areas including oil-free sunscreens

Cosmetic camouflage with a water base rather than oil based.

NEVER use topical steroids to reduce rosacea flares, this may provide short term relief however can result in rosacea flaring worse in the following weeks.

Skin care for rosacea

When choosing skincare for rosacea prone skin take a sensitive and cautious approach as many products may irritate or cause the skin to flare. If you have never tried a product before always conduct a test to ensure no adverse reactions occur. When testing a product, apply a small amount of product near rosacea skin however not on it, if skin irritations occur (stings, increase in redness, or burning) within 72 hours this product may not be suitable for your skin.

Once you find a suitable skin care routine you will start to notice improvements, a boost in the overall health of your skin and ultimately a reduction in rosacea flares.

Opt for rosacea friendly skincare products. Avoid products which contain; alcohol, camphor, fragrance, glycolic acid, lactic acid, menthol, sodium laurel sulfate, urea or soap.

• Gentle Cleanser which is soap free and rosacea friendly. Perform twice daily.
• Moisturise daily to help rehydrate your skin.
• Sunscreen should be worn and reapplied daily. Sun exposure can flare rosacea so it is important to protect the skin from sunlight.

Always remember to be gentle.

Complications of rosacea

Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma is considered a subgroup of rosacea; phymatous rosacea. It commonly affects the nose where the skin becomes thickened and enlargement of sebacceous (oil) glands.

Psychological
Rosacea can have a serious affect on the mental health for patients. Patients may avoid social situations, skip school, avoid sports, or start to retreat from daily activities. At Skinfluence Clinic we believe in creating a safe environment for patients where they are safe to disclose their feelings about their skin. We treat patients as a whole, not just what we can see on the outside.

There is such an increase in pressure placed on the facial appearance of all individuals. Skinfluence Clinic has regular contact with local psychologists to assist patients to discuss their situations. Alternatively Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au), Lifeline (www.lifeline.org.au) or Kids Helpline (www.kidshelp.com.au) are excellent services and organisations.