Redness and Rosacea

For many people, the highly visible symptoms of rosacea impact their willingness to be social. Are you one of them? The cause of this chronic condition remains unknown, and it cannot be cured. However, a wide range of treatments exist to minimise the appearance and discomfort of rosacea and skin redness. Austin Clinic can help with gels, creams, light therapy, heat therapy, oral medications, and more.

Understanding the rise of rosacea

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 5% of Australians. Rosacea is characterised by facial redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels. It can develop at any age, but most often begins after age 30. Women are more likely to develop rosacea, as are people who have fair hair or light skin, blush easily, have a family history of rosacea, or are of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.

Rosacea red flags

There are four different types of rosacea, and its impact on skin varies widely from person to person. This can make it a challenge to identify. You can suspect rosacea when you experience symptoms like these:

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Dry skin

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Eye irritation

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Facial swelling

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Raised red skin patches

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Skin thickening

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Stinging or burning feeling to skin

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Thickened skin

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Visible blood vessels (spider veins)

Rosacea triggers

The cause of Rosacea can be due to a variety of factors including circulatory abnormalities, immune system function, heredity, and even skin mites may contribute. Factors that may trigger a rosacea flare include:

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Alcohol consumption

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Hormonal changes

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Skin/hair products

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Stress

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Sun exposure

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Temperature fluctuations

Diagnosing rosacea

The first step in treating any skin disorder at Austin Clinic is a preliminary consultation. We will learn about you as both a patient and a person. We will take your medical history, listen to you describe your symptoms, and then perform a thorough physical exam. It is not uncommon for those with deeper skin tones to have their rosacea inaccurately diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis or an allergic reaction. We are well-versed in accurate rosacea diagnosis.

When to seek treatment for rosacea

Rosacea can be difficult to self-diagnose because it looks like other skin problems. If you have recently developed facial redness, eye problems, or breakouts, and are noticing small red, blue and purple lines on your face, you should contact Austin Clinic for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Early treatment can minimise rosacea’s effect on your skin.

Treatments for rosacea

Rosacea diagnosis is unique to each person we see, as is the recommended treatment. A combination of topical and oral medications is usually the first step.

Topical treatments

For mild symptoms, the first step is usually to use topical treatments such as creams, gels, and ointments. These products may contain antibiotics, or vasoconstrictors to address issues such as flushing, redness, and mild rashes. For instance, creams with azelaic acid, ivermectin, or metronidazole can help with raised or pus-filled spots. Additionally, products with ingredients like niacinamide and zinc can reduce inflammation and redness.

Oral medications

For moderate to severe cases, oral medications might be needed. Antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline are commonly used. Another option is erythromycin, especially for papulopustular rosacea, though it can sometimes cause stomach issues.

In-clinic treatments

Broadband light treatments use targeted light energy, gentler than a laser, to heat and shrink the broken blood vessels responsible for redness and flushing. They also assist skin health and beauty by stimulating collagen production and minimising damage from age spots and sun exposure.

Preventing rosacea flares

Managing rosacea starts with building an effective skincare regimen. Once symptoms have been controlled, or rosacea goes into remission, we will help you transition to a regular program of topical products. This will help to keep your symptoms from returning. You can also minimise the risk of flares by being mindful of UV rays. Wear sunscreen daily and reapply frequently.

FAQs

Is it okay to leave rosacea untreated?

A rosacea treatment can help you prevent complications and worsening of your skin condition. It can also help you to control symptoms and improve your quality of life. Without it, your symptoms may become more noticeable and longer lasting between flares.

Does rosacea only affect the face?

No. Though it is less common, rosacea can affect your chest, back, ears, and scalp. Ocular rosacea impacts the eyes, making them look watery and bloodshot.

What cosmetic ingredients should I avoid?

It is best to stay away from strong actives. Rosacea often causes a buildup of excess skin cells so gentle exfoliation will help but strong acids and retinoids should be avoided with inflamed skin.

Are there foods I should avoid?

Spicy foods, such as hot curries and jalapeño peppers have been identified as rosacea triggers for some people. This is highly individualised, so if you experience a flare after eating spicy foods, discontinue the practice.

Can I wear make-up?

Rosacea can make your skin react badly to chemicals in cosmetics, leading to flare-ups. To help prevent this, choose products labelled as non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. Mineral makeup is best.

How long before I see results of rosacea therapy?

Treatment time varies, depending on a variety of factors. Some individuals see benefits in a few weeks. The process is gradual, however, and it can take 3 months or longer to enjoy optimal results.