Rosacea

• Alcohol: A red and bulbous nose is a typical symptom of untreated Rosacea. However, this symptom has, unfairly, become associated with excessive drinking. It is a myth that excessive drinking causes Rosacea to develop.  However, alcohol has been known to trigger Rosacea flare ups. Research has suggested that red wine is the biggest culprit when it comes to aggravating symptoms, but spirits and other alcoholic drinks such as Champagne and beer, can also have an effect.
• Spicy foods: It is believed that spicy foods can be a trigger for as many as 75 percent of adults with Rosacea. This has been attributed to the chemical capsaicin, which gives these spicy foods their heat. Capsaicin can be commonly found in tabasco pepper, jalapenos, chili pepper and hot sauce.  
• Dairy: Dairy has been reported to cause Rosacea symptoms to flare up. Dropping cheese and other dairy products such as yogurt and sour cream from your diet, or reducing the amount you consume, may lessen the likelihood of symptom flare ups.
• Hot drinks: Hot drinks, such as tea and hot chocolate, may set off Rosacea symptoms in some people as the heat from the beverage flushing. People with Rosacea were previously advised to avoid drinking caffeine, but recent research revealed that coffee may actually prove beneficial for people who suffer with Rosacea. Caffeinated drinks reduce the rush of blood to the skin’s surface, are full of protective antioxidants, have an immunosuppressant effect to help curb inflammation and can balance the levels of hormones that are associated with Rosacea.
• Cinnamaldehyde foods: Cinnamaldehyde is the compound which gives cinnamon its familiar pungent flavour. It causes a warming sensation which triggers Rosacea symptoms, leading to a flare up. Cinnamaldehyde is found in a range of foods, including citrus fruits, chocolate and tomatoes and as well as cinnamon.

• Aerobic exercise: High-intensity aerobic exercises, such as running, cycling and aerobics, can also be a trigger for Rosacea symptoms. Aerobic exercise temporarily increases blood flow and heart rate, widening the blood vessels, causing the skin to flush. 
• Sun exposure: Just a short time in the sun can lead to flushing and redness in people who suffer with Rosacea. You should use liberal amounts of sun cream, even on days where the sun is not obvious, to help prevent a flare up of symptoms.
• Heat exposure: For some people with Rosacea, exposure to heat can cause the skin to flush. This may include hot showers, saunas or excessive use of central heating. Consider turning down the temperature of the shower slightly and avoiding warm environments to reduce flare ups.

Certain medications increase blood flow to the skin, leading to the appearance of Rosacea symptoms. These medications include topical steroids, niacin (vitamin B3) and sympathomimetics, which are used to control blood pressure. 

Rozex (Metronidazole) cream or gel, Soolantra (Ivermectin) cream or Skinoren can be used in milder cases of Rosacea where pustules and papules are showing. However, these prescription options are not suitable for all patients, for example children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. This form of Rosacea treatment may take several months to work. These topical medicines may not be suitable for people displaying more serious symptoms of Rosacea.

In more serious cases of Rosacea, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken orally. A course of antibiotics may be taken for anywhere between six to 16 weeks. In some cases, creams may be used alongside antibiotics. Erythromycin, oxytetracycline and Efracea (doxycycline as monohydrate) are all medications which are typically prescribed for Rosacea treatment. It can several weeks of taking antibiotics before you see results. Antibiotics for Rosacea may not be suitable for patients with liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes long-term muscle weakness) and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Some antibiotics are known to interact with other medications. These vary depending on which antibiotic you are prescribed.

IPL for Rosacea focuses on the visible blood vessels of the skin. The heat from the light targets the widened blood vessels and causes them to shrink reducing how visible they are.

Special care must be taken to avoid causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. This procedure may cause slight discomfort, however patients are usually able to undergo the entire procedure without the need for an anaesthetic.

The number of procedures needed to get the desired results will vary depending on the patient and the severity of the condition. One of our Rosacea specialists will be able to advise you on the number of procedures that you may need.

The side effects of IPL are usually minor and temporary. Typical side effects include itching, light bruising, redness, swelling, skin peeling and scabbing. Our consultant dermatologist will go over these with you before undergoing IPL for Rosacea.

There is no known cure for Rosacea, but timely treatment can stop the condition from getting worse and improve your quality of life.

Whatever your personal needs, you can rest assured that Cadogan Clinic will provide the best level of care to treat your Rosacea at our dedicated dermatology clinic based in Chelsea, London.