MEDICAL ROSACEA

Acne rosacea (or just plain rosacea) is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by persistent facial redness and flushing with or without papules. It tends to develop in the fourth or fifth decade of life unlike acne vulgaris (common acne) which tends to develop in teenage. Rosacea tends to be more common in fairer skin individuals although it can be seen (and is often missed) in darker skin patients. There are different ways it can present, and it can affect the eyes and can cause enlargement of the nose. The precise cause in unknown although there are many theories.

 

There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be effectively managed. I have developed over the years a tried and tested oral and topical routine which has proved effective in over 90% of my rosacea patients. Patients notice reduction in redness and ‘heat’ of the skin within days as well as reduction in papules if any were present at the start. The topical aspect of the regime can be safely continued indefinitely.