Opinion article
Rosacea: what it is, what makes it worse, and how to treat it
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, very common and widely underdiagnosed. It usually starts after age 30, is more common in fair skin, and is easy to mistake for years for “sensitive skin” or adult acne.
Signs to watch for
- Persistent redness across the centre of the face that doesn’t fade.
- Episodes of intense flushing, often with heat.
- Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias).
- Bumps and pustules that look like acne, but without the typical blackheads.
- A burning, stinging feeling, or skin that suddenly reacts to products it used to tolerate.
- In some cases, eye involvement (ocular rosacea): dry, irritated or red eyes.
Common triggers
These vary from person to person, but the most frequent are sun exposure, heat, hot drinks, alcohol (especially red wine), spicy food, emotional stress, and intense exercise. Tracking your own triggers with a simple diary helps more than following generic lists.
What helps
- Daily sun protection, with a high SPF, every day, even under cloud cover.
- A simple, gentle skincare routine: cleanse without rubbing, use a soothing moisturiser, avoid harsh exfoliants and strong acids.
- Targeted medical treatment: specific creams and gels exist, oral treatment for more inflammatory cases, and options such as vascular laser for visible vessels.
Rosacea has no cure, but it can be very well controlled. The earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to keep it from progressing.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Sources
- National Rosacea Society
- van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J, et al. Interventions for Rosacea Based on Rosacea Subtype: A Systematic Review with Assessment of Evidence Quality. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019