Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the central face, including the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It often presents with persistent redness, visible small blood vessels, flushing episodes, sensitivity, and sometimes pimple-like bumps. Some patients may also experience eye irritation, dryness or grittiness. Symptoms can fluctuate over time, with periods of flaring and periods of relative calm.

Rosacea develops due to a combination of factors including genetics, an over-reactive facial blood flow response, skin barrier sensitivity, and sometimes microscopic mites that naturally live on the skin. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Many people find that their condition is triggered by hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, temperature changes, stress or certain skincare products.

Although rosacea is a long-term condition, it is manageable. Early diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan help reduce symptoms, improve skin comfort and prevent progression over time.

Treatment
Rosacea treatment involves a combination of lifestyle measures and medical therapies. Lifestyle changes include identifying and avoiding individual triggers such as heat, alcohol, spicy foods and harsh skincare. Using gentle cleansers, non-irritating moisturisers and regular sunscreen is also important to protect the skin and minimise flares.

Atlas Dermatology offers evidence-based treatment options for rosacea depending on the subtype and severity. Vascular laser therapy targets redness and visible surface vessels, helping to reduce flushing and improve overall skin tone. For patients with more inflammatory or resistant rosacea, isotretinoin may be considered, particularly when there are recurrent acne-like bumps or thickening of the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the central face – cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It often presents with persistent redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, and sometimes acne-like bumps or pustules. Some people also experience stinging or burning, skin sensitivity, and eye symptoms such as dryness, irritation or redness.

How does rosacea typically present?
Rosacea can look different from person to person and can change over time. Common patterns include:

  • Episodes of flushing or blushing that become more frequent or persistent.
  • Background facial redness that no longer settles completely.
  • Fine, visible blood vessels on the cheeks or nose.
  • Acne-like bumps or pimples in the red areas (without blackheads).
  • Sensitive, easily irritated skin that reacts to skincare products, heat, alcohol or spicy foods.
    In some cases, the nose can gradually become thicker and more bumpy (especially in men), a subtype called phymatous rosacea.

What lifestyle changes can help rosacea?
Identifying and reducing individual “triggers” is an important part of rosacea management. Common triggers include:

  • Heat, hot showers, saunas and very hot drinks
  • Sun exposure without protection
  • Alcohol (especially red wine)
  • Spicy foods and very hot meals
  • Intense exercise or abrupt temperature changes
    Practical measures include daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, gentle fragrance-free skincare, avoiding scrubs and harsh actives, moderating alcohol and spicy foods, and planning exercise or outdoor activities at cooler times of the day. At Atlas Dermatology we help patients identify their personal triggers and tailor a realistic lifestyle plan.

What treatments are available at Atlas Dermatology?
Rosacea treatment is individualised depending on the main features (redness, flushing, visible vessels, bumps, eye involvement). Options that may be offered at Atlas Dermatology include:

  • Prescription topical treatments to reduce inflammation and bumps
  • Short or longer courses of oral medications (such as antibiotics used in low anti-inflammatory doses)
  • Vascular laser for persistent redness and visible blood vessels, targeted to improve background redness and cosmetic appearance
  • Isotretinoin in selected cases, particularly where there are resistant acne-like lesions or thickening of the skin
    Your dermatologist will discuss which combination of lifestyle measures, medical treatments and laser options is most appropriate for you.

Is rosacea curable?
Rosacea is generally a long-term condition, but with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical care it can be very well controlled. Many patients experience significant and lasting improvement in redness, flushing and breakouts. At Atlas Dermatology our goal is to reduce symptoms, improve comfort and confidence, and support you with an ongoing plan that fits your day-to-day life.

Can rosacea affect the eyes?
Yes. Ocular rosacea can cause symptoms such as dry, gritty or burning eyes, redness of the whites of the eyes, and recurrent styes or lid margin inflammation. It is important to mention any eye symptoms to your dermatologist so that appropriate treatment and, if needed, collaboration with an eye specialist can be arranged.