Rosacea
Overview
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face. It's more common in women and people with lighter skin, but symptoms can be worse in men. Treatment can help with symptoms.
Symptoms
The first signs of rosacea include: redness (blushing) across your nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, neck and chest that comes and goes, usually lasting for a few minutes each time – your face may also feel warm, hot or painfula burning or stinging feeling when using water or skincare products The redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin. Other symptoms can include: dry skinswelling, especially around the eyesyellow-orange patches on the skinsore eyelids or crusts around roots of eyelashes – this could beblepharitisthickened skin, mainly on the nose (usually appears after many years)
Causes
Unknown. Triggers: Alcohol; Spicy food; Hot drinks; Sun; Stress. Blood vessels dilate.
Treatment
Rosacea cannot be cured, but treatment from a GP can help control the symptoms. It can get worse if it's not treated. A GP may suggest: prescriptions for creams and gels you put on your skintaking antibiotics for 6 to 16 weeks A GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if treatments are not working.
Prevention
Avoid triggers (alcohol/sun); Gentle skincare.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: persistent redness/spots.