Rosacea is a skin condition that affects millions of people across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK suffers from it. However, the condition -which is incurable- is often left undiagnosed and untreated. So, the team at the Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic think it’s important to shine the spotlight on Rosacea. In this blog, we discuss the signs and triggers of Rosacea, as well as effective ways to manage the physical appearance of this commonly misunderstood condition.
What are the symptoms of Rosacea?
Rosacea is often characterised by these main symptoms:
- Redness or blushing across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin
- Sensitivity of the skin sometimes associated with a stinging or burning sensations
- Broken blood vessels (thread veins)
- Acne-like spots
Some people may even experience:
- Skin dryness
- Enlarged, open pores
- Yellow-orange patches/ thickening of the skin
What causes it?
It is not entirely clear what causes Rosacea, but genetics (it often runs in families), abnormalities in the blood vessels or sun damage are all possible factors. You may be more likely to suffer from Rosacea if you have/had acne, have fair skin, or are a smoker. It is also more common in women than men, however, symptoms tend to be worse for men.
What can trigger Rosacea symptoms?
It is a remitting and relapsing skin condition, which means that symptoms can improve and worsen over time. People living with the condition will often become aware of particular triggers that cause their Rosacea to flare. These triggers include:
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods/dairy products
- Caffeine
- Hot and/or caffeinated drinks
- Aerobic exercise such as running
Being mindful of triggers and adapting diet and lifestyle accordingly is the first step to managing the condition. But there is more that can be done to help…
How can laser treatment help?
Here at the Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we offer bespoke 1-hour laser treatment for the management of Rosacea. Using safe and effective Fotona laser technology, our treatment targets a number of signs and symptoms, including:
- Minimising broken capillaries
- Reducing spots if this is a feature of your Rosacea
- Treating background redness and pigmentation
- Removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin
The treatment protocols are adjusted to be bespoke for each individual patient. This is due to Rosacea’s signs and symptoms varying so much from person to person, so the treatment is not a one size fits all approach, but tailored to each individual.
After treatment, the skin will look and feel clearer, calmer and be less reactive.
To achieve maximum results, a course of 3 sessions is generally recommended, followed by additional top-up sessions every 12-18 months, but these can be undertaken sooner if needed.
Rosacea’s impact on mental health
It is important to note that Rosacea doesn’t just impact the physical wellbeing of its sufferers. Living with Rosacea symptoms can have an effect on mental wellbeing too and can often take its toll on a person’s self-confidence. UK charities such as Changing Faces are a great way for Rosacea sufferers to get support and information, as well as exchanging experiences and advice with others in a similar position to themselves.