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Effortless Treatment Online

Booking your rosacea treatment online has never been easier! Schedule a convenient appointment with a licensed doctor with just a few clicks. Skip the waiting room and get expert care from the comfort of your own home.

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Personalised Rosacea Treatment

Receive tailored rosacea treatment online that fits your unique needs. Whether it’s skincare advice, medications, or lifestyle tips, our experts will create a plan to help you manage flare-ups and restore your skin’s natural balance.

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Ongoing Support

Get continuous support throughout your rosacea treatment online. Our doctors are here to answer your questions, adjust your plan, and ensure you feel your best. Enjoy a personalised approach with guidance every step of the way.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness, often on the face, but it can also affect other body parts, including the eyes. It usually appears as red patches, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small bumps or pimples. The condition typically begins in adulthood, around ages 30 to 60, and is more common in lighter skin tones, though it can affect anyone.

 

The exact cause of rosacea isn't fully understood, but it is thought to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors. It is a lifelong condition, meaning there is no cure, but the symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. Some people with rosacea experience a burning or stinging sensation in their skin, and their skin may feel sensitive, especially when exposed to specific triggers like hot drinks, spicy foods, or extreme temperatures.

Rosacea Symptoms

Rosacea can cause a wide range of symptoms, and they may appear differently in each person. The signs of rosacea can vary depending on the severity of the condition, and they often affect the skin on the face, though they can extend to other areas of the body. Here are the common symptoms to watch for:

  • Facial Redness: Persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It may resemble a blush or sunburn that doesn’t fade.
  • Flushing: Frequent blushing or flushing, which often comes before other symptoms.
  • Bumps and Pimples: Small, red bumps or pus-filled pimples, which can resemble acne but without blackheads.
  • Stinging or Burning: A sensation of burning or stinging on the skin, especially on the face.
  • Visible Blood Vessels: Thin, red lines (called telangiectasia) that appear on the skin, typically around the nose and cheeks.
  • Eye Irritation: Watery, bloodshot eyes, or a gritty feeling. This can lead to swollen eyelids and, in severe cases, affect vision.
  • Swelling: Puffiness or swelling on the face, particularly around the cheeks or nose.
  • Thickening Skin: Skin, especially on the nose (rhinophyma), can thicken and become bumpy or swollen, causing a bulbous appearance.
  • Dry, Rough Skin: Patches of skin that appear dry, flaky, or scaly.
  • Larger Pores: Enlarged pores, often around the nose or on the cheeks.
  • Sensitive Skin: Increased sensitivity, making the skin feel tight, itchy, or uncomfortable.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get an early diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Proper treatment can help manage the condition and prevent flare-ups.

Rosacea Causes

There is no exact known cause for rosacea at the moment. Theories hovering around the rosacea culprits include the following:

 

  • The reaction of the skin to bacteria or mites

  • Blood vessel problems

  • Certain side effects of skincare products or medications

 

The exact medical cause cannot be detected yet, but a number of triggering factors have been observed and identified in several patients. Generally, these are:

 

  • Exposure to cold and hot temperatures

  • Exposure to humid environments

  • Too much exercise

  • Excessive stress

  • Prolonged sunlight exposure

  • Consumption of food products such as dairy and spices

  • Consumption of caffeine and alcoholic drinks

 

Rosacea Treatment

While there is no cure for rosacea, various treatments are available to help manage its symptoms. The treatment plan often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures. Here’s an overview of the treatment options for rosacea:

1. Lifestyle and Skincare Measures

  • Identify Triggers: A symptom diary can help you track and avoid triggers such as spicy foods, hot/cold temperatures, sun exposure, alcohol, and specific cosmetic products.
  • Gentle Skincare: Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers to protect your skin. Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based products, as these can irritate rosacea-prone skin.
  • Sunscreen: Apply a physical sunscreen (with zinc oxide or titanium oxide) with SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV radiation, which can worsen rosacea.
  • Avoid Exfoliants and Steroids: Avoid exfoliating products or topical steroids, as they can aggravate the condition.

2. Topical Medications

Topical treatments are often used to reduce redness, swelling, and bumps:

  • Azelaic Acid: A gel or foam that helps clear up bumps, swelling, and redness while fighting bacteria.
  • Brimonidine: A gel that works by tightening blood vessels and reducing redness.
  • Ivermectin (Soolantra): Reduces inflammation and helps control the skin’s immune response.
  • Metronidazole: An antibiotic that helps control inflammation and bacteria on the skin.
  • Topical Clindamycin or Erythromycin: Antibiotics that target skin bacteria and reduce inflammation.

3. Oral Medications

For more severe rosacea, oral medications may be necessary:

  • Oral Antibiotics: Drugs like doxycycline or tetracycline can help control inflammation and clear up pustules.
  • Isotretinoin: In cases where other treatments aren’t effective, low-dose isotretinoin may be prescribed, although it is usually a last resort due to potential side effects.

4. Laser and Light Treatments

  • Laser Therapy: Vascular lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments target and shrink blood vessels, helping reduce redness and visible blood vessels.
  • Dermabrasion: This procedure can remove the outer layer of thickened skin.
  • Electrocautery: An electric current is used to remove damaged blood vessels.

5. Additional Procedures

  • Physical Procedures for Skin Thickening: In cases of thickened skin (rhinophyma), laser resurfacing or surgery may be used to reshape the skin and reduce excess tissue.

6. Eye Care for Ocular Rosacea

If rosacea affects the eyes, treatments include:

  • Warm Compresses: Help relieve irritation and unblock the glands in the eyelids.
  • Topical Antibiotics: Azithromycin or calcineurin inhibitors can help control eye inflammation.
  • Oral Antibiotics: Doxycycline may be prescribed for more severe cases.

7. Ongoing Management

Rosacea is a chronic condition, so ongoing treatment and management are necessary. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider can help adjust the treatment plan as needed and prevent flare-ups.

With the right combination of treatments, most people with rosacea can manage their symptoms and improve the appearance and comfort of their skin.

Rosacea Prevention

While you can't fully cure rosacea, there are things you can do to stop it from getting worse. By avoiding certain triggers and taking care of your skin, you can keep rosacea under control. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Stay Away from Triggers

  • Spicy foods like hot peppers or garlic can make your skin redder.
  • Cold or hot weather can irritate your skin, so dress for the temperature.
  • Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you're outside.
  • Stress can make rosacea worse, so try relaxation techniques.
  • Alcohol, especially red wine and beer, can irritate your skin.
  • Avoid drinking hot coffee or tea, as it can trigger redness.

2. Take Care of Your Skin

  • Use gentle skincare products for sensitive skin.
  • Moisturise your skin daily to keep it soft and hydrated.
  • Don’t scrub your face too hard—use a mild cleanser instead.

3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

  • Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face from the sun.
  • Try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.

4. Stay Healthy

  • Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish to calm your skin.
  • Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.
  • If you exercise, try to stay calm to avoid overheating your skin.

5. Manage Stress

  • Relax by doing things like deep breathing or yoga.
  • If rosacea is stressing you out, contact a doctor or counsellor for support.

6. Follow Your Treatment Plan

  • Use your medications and creams precisely as your doctor says.
  • Keep track of your symptoms and let your doctor know if anything changes.

Following these easy steps can help prevent rosacea flare-ups and keep your skin looking and feeling better. Mobi Doctor can help you manage your rosacea with expert online consultations. Our doctors provide personalised treatment plans, recommend effective skincare routines, and offer support to keep your symptoms under control.

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