Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition where the skin over the face appears red.  It usually involves the skin over the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead.  It affects women more frequently than men and is typically seen between the ages of 30 - 50.  Sun exposure, alcohol intake, spicy foods, exercise and heated rooms tend to worsen the symptoms. 

There are 4 different types of Rosacea:

1. Papulopustular Rosacea (acne like lesions)
2. Erythematotelangiectatic (flushing redness and visible vessels)
3. Phymatous (thickened skin)
4. Ocular Rosacea( red and irritated eyes)

As a chronic condition there is no cure for Rosacea but there are many treatments that can control the condition and improve the appearance of the skin.  The treatments depend on the type of Rosacea. 

Papulopustular Rosacea for example may require medical treatment in the form of antibiotics and a cream but laser will be required to treat the diffuse redness. 

As with most skin conditions, good quality medical grade skin care is a must and helps to keep it at bay once you have finished your laser treatments.  Regular medical peels can help calm the skin and reduce the redness. 

Often patients are unaware of the different treatments and suffer in silence.