While rosacea predominantly affects the face, there are different types of the skin condition, but it most commonly occurs in fair-skinned individuals from the age of 30 onwards, and women are more often affected than men.

There are four subtypes of rosacea, each with its own set of symptoms. It is possible for a person to have more than one type of rosacea, presenting either at different times during their life, or at any one time. 

Typically, rosacea presents as flare-ups of small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. These flare-ups often occur in cycles, meaning symptoms appear for weeks or months at a time before abating, and can recur.

The first signs of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can include redness that may also be described as ‘blushing.’  

The blushing usually appears to come and go across the nose, or appear on cheeks, forehead or chin – thus without medical help, people may mistake the medical condition for the normal usual flushing of the face when overheated or embarrassed.

This redness may be accompanied by a burning or stinging feeling when using water or skincare products to cleanse the skin, and it may be harder to see on darker skin tones.

As rosacea worsens, either all or some of these areas may become, or stay red all the time, and tiny broken blood vessels may appear on the skin and not resolve. Either or both of these symptoms may be accompanied by small pink or red bumps, which can sometimes become filled with a yellowish or whitish liquid, known as pus.

Other symptoms of rosacea can include:

• Dryness of the skin
• Swelling, especially around the eyes, or sensitive eyes
• Discoloured yellow or orange ‘patches’ on the skin
• Soreness in the eyelids, or ‘crust’ around the roots of eyelashes
• Thickened skin, which typically appears on the nose after many years of living with the condition

Rosacea often develops in people 30-50, and tends to be more common in people who are fair-skinned and have blond hair and blue eyes. 

The condition is seen as likely to be influenced by genetics, so it is possible that if an individual’s parents have experienced problems with rosacea, they may be more likely to have the same trouble – particularly if they have Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry.  

Women are more likely to develop rosacea than men, however, men who develop the condition often display more severe rosacea symptoms.

While it's not known what causes rosacea, research has indicated some triggers can make symptoms worse.

By avoiding known triggers and documenting the suspected causes of flare-ups, patients can hope to manage the condition more comfortably in the longer term, with the assistance of their doctor. Taking notes may also be helpful for patients to anticipate seasonal changes, as well as actions they can take to reduce the likelihood, or severity of a flare-up.

Your appointment will begin with a skin check and medical history, followed by recommended treatment options.

Together with the dermatologist, you will discuss how to care for your skin, the latest and most effective treatments, and explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best options.

Mild to moderate forms of rosacea may be controlled using topical treatments available from chemists, but depending on your condition, prescription creams may be necessary. The dermatologist will let you know whether it is beneficial to continue with any over-the-counter treatment, or if it is advisable to stop.

Additionally, Derma may be able to offer treatments with tablets, which may be prescribed longer-term, or may only be needed seasonally during periods where the condition is more prone to flare-ups, such as during the dry, cold winter months.