Rosacea Glasgow

Skin conditions like rosacea, which primarily affects the face, are common but poorly understood.

In the beginning, the skin can turn red for a short time, but as the condition progresses, other symptoms can arise, such as:

• Stinging and burning sensations
• Redness that persists
• Pustules and papules (spots)
• Visible blood vessels in the skin

Relapsing Rosacea occurs from time to time, which means that sometimes symptoms are particularly bad, but at other times they are less severe.

• Allergic reactions
• Diseases of the respiratory system
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI)
• High blood pressure
• Illnesses related to metabolism
• Diseases of the genitalia
• An imbalance in female hormones
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Gluten intolerance
• Multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Anxiety disorders and depression

Despite the fact that there is no known cause, certain triggers have been identified that worsen the condition. These have been identified as:

• Sunlight exposure
• During cold weather and temperature changes
• Emotional stress
• Heavy physical activity
• Alcohol
• Menopause
• Spicy food
• Caffeine
• Skin products

General measures to take, include;

• It is important for the patient to understand the chronic and relapsing nature of the disorder
• Where possible, triggers should be avoided
• A gentle skin care regimen helps maintain hydration and the barrier function of the skin
• Sun protection, including avoidance and a daily sun-cream with SPF 30 or greater
• Cover-up powders can help alongside more active treatment
• Creams and gels containing metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, and brimonidine have a strong evidence base and are approved for rosacea by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They tend to be used in mild to moderate rosacea.

• Antibiotic tablets including oxytetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin may be recommended for their anti-inflammatory effect
• In severe or persistent cases of papulopustular and early phymatous rosacea, oral isotretinoin therapy may be required
• Where eye symptoms are due to ocular rosacea, this can be treated with gentle lid-hygiene and lubricating eye drops

Visible red blood vessels can be treated using vascular lasers. Light energy is absorbed by hemoglobin and water in these vessels, this leading to vessel heating and coagulation. The most frequently used types of laser are the PDL (pulsed dye laser) and Nd:YAG

A recent study has shown excellent outcomes following a course of Nd:YAG laser for visible vessles associated with rosacea.  Severe phymatous disease with deformity responds best to surgery or CO2 laser resurfacing.