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Mens rosacea. Men’s Rosacea: Essential Skin Care Tips for Managing Facial Redness

by alexxlab

What is rosacea in men. How does rosacea differ from other skin conditions. What are effective skin care tips for managing rosacea in men. How can men protect their skin from rosacea flare-ups. What role does stress play in rosacea symptoms. How can azelaic acid help manage rosacea.

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Understanding Rosacea in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Unique Challenges

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, particularly on the nose and cheeks. While it’s less common in men, when it does occur, it often presents more severe symptoms compared to women. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for effective management.

Rosacea symptoms include:

  • Persistent facial redness
  • Enlarged blood vessels
  • Swollen, bumpy skin
  • Engorged nose (rhinophyma)
  • Eye irritation (ocular rosacea)

Is rosacea more prevalent in certain skin types? While it’s commonly associated with fair-skinned individuals, recent research suggests it may be underdiagnosed in people with darker skin tones due to the difficulty in detecting subtle redness.

The Enigma of Rosacea’s Origins

Despite ongoing research, the exact causes of rosacea remain elusive. Experts believe it may result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Common triggers include:

  • Sun exposure
  • Stress
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Strenuous exercise

Can rosacea be cured? Currently, there is no known cure for rosacea. However, with proper management and treatment, symptoms can be effectively controlled, allowing individuals to lead comfortable lives with minimal flare-ups.

Distinguishing Rosacea from Other Skin Conditions

Rosacea’s unique characteristics set it apart from other skin conditions. Unlike acne or eczema, rosacea lacks a definitive diagnostic test. Healthcare professionals rely on visual assessments and medical history to identify the condition.

Key differences between rosacea and other skin conditions include:

  1. Persistent redness rather than occasional breakouts
  2. Absence of blackheads (common in acne)
  3. Potential eye involvement (ocular rosacea)
  4. Triggers specific to rosacea (e.g., certain foods, temperature changes)

Does rosacea affect more than just the skin? Indeed, rosacea can impact the eyes, causing dryness, irritation, and in severe cases, vision problems. This underscores the importance of comprehensive care and regular check-ups with healthcare providers.

Essential Skin Care Strategies for Men with Rosacea

Managing rosacea effectively requires a multifaceted approach. For men, who may be less accustomed to detailed skincare routines, adopting these practices can make a significant difference in controlling symptoms and maintaining healthy skin.

Gentle Cleansing: The Foundation of Rosacea Care

How should men with rosacea cleanse their skin? Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Lukewarm water is ideal, as hot water can trigger flare-ups. Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, avoiding harsh rubbing motions.

Sun Protection: A Non-Negotiable Step

Sun exposure is a major trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Men should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Moisturizing: Balancing Hydration and Sensitivity

Choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for men with rosacea. Look for products designed for sensitive skin, free from potential irritants like fragrances and alcohol. Ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness.

Lifestyle Modifications to Minimize Rosacea Flare-Ups

Beyond skincare, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the frequency and severity of rosacea symptoms in men.

Stress Management: A Key to Skin Health

How does stress affect rosacea? Stress is a known trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, or engaging in hobbies can help keep symptoms at bay. For some men, professional counseling may be beneficial in developing effective stress management strategies.

Dietary Considerations

While triggers can vary between individuals, some common dietary factors that may exacerbate rosacea include:

  • Spicy foods
  • Hot beverages
  • Alcohol, particularly red wine
  • Dairy products (for some individuals)

Keeping a food diary can help identify personal triggers, allowing for more informed dietary choices.

Environmental Awareness

Being mindful of environmental factors can help men with rosacea avoid unnecessary flare-ups. This includes:

  • Protecting the face from extreme temperatures
  • Using a humidifier in dry environments
  • Avoiding harsh winds when possible
  • Limiting time in saunas or hot tubs

Medical Treatments and Interventions for Rosacea

While lifestyle modifications and skincare routines form the foundation of rosacea management, medical treatments can provide additional relief for more severe cases.

Topical Medications: First-Line Defense

What topical treatments are effective for rosacea? Several prescription medications have shown efficacy in managing rosacea symptoms:

  • Metronidazole: Reduces inflammation and redness
  • Azelaic Acid: Fights bacteria and reduces swelling
  • Ivermectin: Targets inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea
  • Brimonidine: Constricts blood vessels to reduce redness

Oral Medications: Systemic Approach

In more severe cases, oral medications may be prescribed:

  • Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline): Reduce inflammation
  • Isotretinoin: For severe cases unresponsive to other treatments

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Symptoms

For men with long-standing rosacea or specific concerns like visible blood vessels or rhinophyma, advanced treatments may be considered:

  • Laser therapy: Targets visible blood vessels
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Reduces redness and improves skin texture
  • Surgical procedures: For severe cases of rhinophyma

The Role of Azelaic Acid in Rosacea Management

Azelaic acid has emerged as a valuable tool in the management of rosacea, particularly for men seeking effective yet gentle treatment options.

Mechanism of Action

How does azelaic acid work against rosacea? Azelaic acid functions through multiple mechanisms:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Reduces redness and swelling
  • Antimicrobial effects: Combats bacteria associated with rosacea
  • Keratolytic action: Helps prevent clogged pores

Application and Usage

Azelaic acid is typically available as a cream or gel. For optimal results:

  • Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin twice daily
  • Use consistently for several weeks to see improvements
  • Combine with sunscreen during daytime use

Are there any side effects of using azelaic acid? While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild irritation, dryness, or itching when first using azelaic acid. These effects typically subside as the skin adjusts to the treatment.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Rosacea Management

Effective management of rosacea in men requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact of the condition.

Building a Support Network

Living with a visible skin condition can be challenging. Connecting with others who have rosacea, whether through support groups or online communities, can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice.

Regular Dermatological Check-ups

Maintaining a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that treatment plans can be adjusted as needed. Regular check-ups allow for:

  • Monitoring of symptom progression
  • Timely adjustments to treatment regimens
  • Early detection of potential complications

Embracing Self-Care

Beyond medical treatments, incorporating self-care practices can significantly improve quality of life for men with rosacea:

  • Prioritizing sleep and rest
  • Engaging in gentle exercise routines
  • Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques
  • Maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods

How can men maintain confidence while managing rosacea? Focusing on overall health and well-being, rather than fixating on skin appearance, can boost self-esteem. Remember that effective management often leads to significant improvements over time.

Navigating Social and Professional Situations with Rosacea

For many men, the visible nature of rosacea can present challenges in social and professional settings. Developing strategies to manage these situations can significantly improve confidence and quality of life.

Workplace Considerations

In professional environments, men with rosacea may face unique challenges:

  • Managing flare-ups during high-stress periods
  • Addressing potential misconceptions about the condition
  • Navigating situations where alcohol consumption is expected

How can men address rosacea in the workplace? Open communication with employers or colleagues about the condition can help prevent misunderstandings. Additionally, advocating for a rosacea-friendly work environment (e.g., adjusting lighting or temperature controls) can make a significant difference.

Social Situations and Dating

Rosacea shouldn’t hold men back from enjoying an active social life. Strategies for navigating social situations include:

  • Choosing activities that don’t exacerbate symptoms (e.g., indoor venues during extreme weather)
  • Being prepared with gentle skincare products for touch-ups
  • Focusing on building connections based on shared interests and values

When it comes to dating, honesty about the condition can help build trust and understanding with potential partners.

Grooming and Personal Style

Adapting grooming routines and personal style can help men feel more confident while managing rosacea:

  • Choosing beard styles that complement facial features without irritating the skin
  • Opting for fragrance-free grooming products
  • Selecting clothing colors that minimize the appearance of facial redness

Future Directions in Rosacea Research and Treatment

As our understanding of rosacea evolves, new avenues for treatment and management continue to emerge. Staying informed about these developments can help men with rosacea make the best decisions for their skin health.

Emerging Therapies

Researchers are exploring several promising areas for rosacea treatment:

  • Microbiome-based therapies targeting skin bacteria
  • Novel anti-inflammatory compounds
  • Advanced laser and light-based treatments

What potential breakthroughs are on the horizon for rosacea treatment? While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, ongoing research into the genetics and underlying mechanisms of rosacea may lead to more targeted and effective therapies in the future.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

The future of rosacea management may involve more personalized treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles and specific symptom patterns. This could lead to more effective and tailored interventions for men with rosacea.

Increasing Awareness and Education

Efforts to improve public understanding of rosacea, particularly its impact on men, are crucial. This includes:

  • Educating healthcare providers about the unique presentation of rosacea in men
  • Raising awareness about the psychological impact of the condition
  • Promoting early diagnosis and intervention

By staying informed about these developments and working closely with healthcare providers, men with rosacea can look forward to increasingly effective management strategies and improved quality of life.

Men With Rosacea: Skin Care Tips

Feeling a little red in the face? Can’t get the red to go away? You may have a skin condition called rosacea.

Rosacea isn’t exactly a common occurrence in men, but when it does pop up, it’s often worse than it is for women.

For men with rosacea, the idea of having to take on a rosacea skin care routine can seem both daunting and a major hassle. 

But finding the best rosacea skin care regimen for your needs isn’t just about keeping your condition from flaring up — it’s also about looking your best in your own skin. 

Part of that is accepting what your skin is and what it needs. To understand what rosacea skin needs, it’s important to take a look at this somewhat misunderstood condition.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes rashes and reddened skin on the face — typically on the nose and cheeks. 

It’s a chronic condition, and symptoms may reoccur based on things like your stress levels, sun exposure and other interactions with irritants.

Symptoms of rosacea include facial redness, enlarged blood vessels and an engorged nose.

There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments are considered effective and can be as simple as at-home cleansers and sunscreen, or can include medications.

Rosacea commonly affects fair-skinned people, but there’s also some question as to whether it’s just harder to diagnose in people with darker skin, where the symptoms may be harder to spot. 

Men aren’t the typical rosacea sufferer, but when they do get it, it tends to be more severe.

How Is Rosacea Different from Other Skin Conditions?

Rosacea is different from other skin conditions in that we don’t know much about its causes. 

While there are some generally agreed-upon common triggers like stress and sunlight, the bigger picture of how genetics and the environment play into rosacea symptoms and diagnoses isn’t fully understood.

There’s also no specific test for rosacea — a healthcare professional will do a visual assessment and combine signs of rosacea from your facial skin and eyes (which may suggest a particular type of rosacea called ocular rosacea) with your medical history to determine if you’re indeed suffering from rosacea.

How to Care for Skin With Rosacea

Rosacea may never go away, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to for it to be managed into relative obscurity. 

To mostly eliminate your outbreaks, you may need to adopt a new rosacea skin care routine — include some new medications.

The good news is that rosacea is easily cared for. Like other skin issues, including mild acne, warts and minor rashes, rosacea can mostly be treated by a primary care provider and is easily managed with the right help 

It’s best to avoid your own triggers, which may be difficult to determine easily or immediately. 

People with rosacea can be triggered to have an outbreak from things like the sun, stress, hot or cold weather, strong winds, hard or strenuous exercise, hot baths, drinking alcohol, drinking hot drinks or eating spicy foods and beverages.

As such, a general rule of thumb is simply to keep up the gentle care of your skin as if it was sensitive to these things.  

Watching for redness in your eyes and wearing a proper sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when you’re going to spend extensive time outside are good rules of thumb for everyone, as is to drink responsibly. 

And we don’t have to tell you that bathing in water that’s too hot can harm more than just your face, fellas.

Rosacea Skin Care Routine: Tips

For the more extreme versions, when skin may become thicker or visible blood vessels may have been enlarged, the end game may require things laser surgery, light therapy or surgical procedures to adjust those visual signs of long-term rosacea. 

But many rosacea skin care activities can be performed at home, like the below:

Protect Your Skin

Maybe this is obvious, but protecting your sensitive skin from smoke, sunlight, punishing winds, cold and hot temperature extremes and other environmental hazards will reduce the irritation responsible for causing some symptoms of rosacea to pop off.  

This might include vitamin C or other treatments — check out our guide to How to Take Care of Your Skin for more information.

Avoid Stress

We mentioned stress earlier, but the fact is that numerous studies point to the psychological element in managing rosacea symptoms. 

If your home or work life is stressing you out and you feel particularly physically and mentally strained, it may be time to talk to someone about that. 

Left unchecked, chronic stress may lead to anxiety, depression and even heart disease. That’s after it’s already done damage to your face, of course.

Consider Using Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a topical skin medication typically used to fight acne symptoms, but it can also be used to manage rosacea. 

It’s both an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication, which means it can reduce swelling and persistent redness associated with irritation, and can also deal with bacteria that may be an underlying cause for acne issues — or possibly even rosacea.  

Azelaic acid works by decreasing the production of keratin in your skin, which is great, especially for managing signs of skin thickening that might make you look older and give your skin a more leathery appearance. 

Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Zinc

Getting enough zinc? If not, you may want to fix that. Medical preparations of zinc — like zinc pyrithione — are topical agents used to treat skin conditions like warts, dandruff, acne and rosacea, but are also sometimes used to fight off everything from basal cells and herpes to leprosy, as well as eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo and other skin health conditions.

It’s technically an antifungal agent, but its benefits are reliable regardless of whether you’re dealing with fungal irritants or just too much time in the sun. 

What to Do If You Have Rosacea

If you think you have rosacea, the next step is contacting a healthcare professional. With conditions like rosacea, there may be over-the-counter medications and rosacea treatments that could help you, but you really shouldn’t go shopping for them yourself.  

A healthcare professional is uniquely qualified to help you diagnose not just the condition of rosacea itself, but the likely triggers and causes that your individual rosacea is most sensitive to. 

In other words, a healthcare professional will be able to point you to the right safe and effective treatment options for your individual rosacea issues, and without you having to drop hundreds of dollars on products just to “see if anything works.”

5 Sources

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

  1. Gupta, M., Mahajan, V. K., Mehta, K. S., & Chauhan, P. S. (2014). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology research and practice, 2014, 709152. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120804/.
  2. U. S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Azelaic acid topical : Medlineplus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603020.html.
  3. Mikkelsen, C. S., Holmgren, H. R., Kjellman, P., Heidenheim, M., Kappinnen, A., Bjerring, P., & Huldt-Nystrøm, T. (2016). Rosacea: a Clinical Review. Dermatology reports, 8(1), 6387. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5134688/.
  4. Team, F. (2020, October 13). Got skin problems? How you can tell when a specialist is best. Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/got-skin-problems-can-tell-specialist-best/.
  5. Triggers could be causing your rosacea flare-ups. (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/triggers/find

Rosacea | NHS inform

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  1. 1.

    About rosacea

  2. 2.

    Symptoms of rosacea

  3. 3.

    Causes of rosacea

  4. 4.

    Treating rosacea

  5. 5.

    Preventing rosacea

About rosacea

Rosacea is a common but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face.

It can be controlled to some degree with long-term treatment, but sometimes the changes in physical appearance can have a significant psychological impact.

Symptoms of rosacea

Symptoms often begin with episodes of flushing, where the skin turns red for a short period, but other symptoms can develop as the condition progresses, such as:

  • burning and stinging sensations
  • permanent redness
  • spots (papules and pustules)
  • small blood vessels in the skin becoming visible

Rosacea is a relapsing condition, which means there are periods when symptoms are particularly bad, but less severe at others.

Read about the symptoms of rosacea

Rosacea symptoms include redness and flushing, as well as stinging and spots.

Source: https://dermnetnz.org/

When to see your GP

See your GP if you have persistent symptoms that could be caused by rosacea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the condition getting worse.

There’s no specific test for rosacea, but your GP will often be able to diagnose the condition by:

  • examining your skin
  • asking about your symptoms
  • asking about possible triggers you may have

In some circumstances your GP may arrange further tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as lupus or the menopause. For example, these could be a blood test or skin biopsy, where a small scraping of skin is removed and examined.

Causes of rosacea

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, although a number of possible factors have been suggested, including abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face and a reaction to microscopic mites commonly found on the face.

Although they’re not thought to be direct causes of the condition, several triggers have been identified that may make rosacea worse.

These include:

  • exposure to sunlight
  • stress
  • strenuous exercise
  • hot or cold weather
  • hot drinks
  • alcohol and caffeine
  • certain foods, such as spicy foods

Read about causes of rosacea

Treating rosacea

There’s currently no cure for rosacea, but treatment can help control the symptoms.

Long-term treatment is usually necessary, although there may be periods when your symptoms improve and you can stop treatment temporarily.

For most people, treatment involves a combination of self-help measures and medication, such as:

  • avoiding known triggers – for example, avoiding drinks containing alcohol or caffeine
  • creams and gels – medications applied directly to the skin to reduce spots and redness
  • oral medications – tablets or capsules that can help clear up more severe spots, such as oral antibiotics

In some cases procedures such as laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment may be helpful. These involve beams of light being aimed at the visible blood vessels in the skin to shrink them and make them less visible.

Read about more about treating rosacea and self-help measures for rosacea

Living with rosacea

Any long-term (chronic) condition can have an adverse psychological effect, but rosacea can be particularly troublesome as it affects your appearance. This can change how you feel about yourself and how you interact with others.

Many people with rosacea have reported feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and frustration.

It’s important to try to come to terms with the fact you have a chronic condition that, although incurable, is controllable.

Persevering with your treatment plan and avoiding your individual triggers are the best ways of controlling your symptoms.

As your physical symptoms improve, you may start to feel better psychologically and emotionally.

If you have rosacea, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. There are millions of people living with the condition in the UK and across the world.

You can find support and information from organisations like:

  • Changing Faces – a charity for people with a visible difference or facial disfigurement, who can be contacted on 0300 012 0275 for counselling and advice

Speak to your GP if you’re feeling depressed as a result of your condition. They may recommend further treatment if necessary.

Ocular rosacea

Rosacea that affects your eyes (ocular rosacea) can lead to a number of eye problems, some of which can be serious.

Symptoms of ocular rosacea can include:

  • feeling like there is something in your eyes
  • dry eyes
  • irritated and bloodshot eyes
  • inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)

Rosacea can sometimes cause the cornea, the transparent layer at the front of the eyeball, to become inflamed and damaged. This is known as keratitis.

This damage can make the cornea vulnerable to ulceration and infection, which could potentially threaten your sight.

Symptoms of serious problems with your corneas include:

  • eye pain
  • sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • deterioration in your vision

Contact your GP immediately if you think you may have a problem with your corneas. If this isn’t possible, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

If keratitis isn’t treated promptly by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specialises in treating eye conditions, there’s a risk of permanent vision loss.

Symptoms of rosacea

Rosacea causes a range of symptoms, although not everyone will experience them all.

Most people with rosacea have periods when their symptoms are particularly troublesome, followed by periods when their symptoms are less so.

The main symptoms of rosacea include:

  • flushing
  • persistent facial redness
  • visible blood vessels
  • papules and pustules
  • thickened skin

These are discussed in more detail below.

Other symptoms associated with rosacea include:

  • sensitive skin – burning, itching, stinging and pain
  • dry, rough skin
  • raised red patches (plaques) on your skin
  • facial swelling (lymphoedema)

Rosacea can cause different symptoms, including facial redness and flushing.

Source: https://dermnetnz. org/

Permanent damage to the face (scarring) almost never occurs in rosacea.

Flushing

Flushing is when your skin turns red for a short period – usually a few minutes. It tends to mainly affect the face, although it can spread to your neck and chest.

In some cases the redness may be accompanied by an unpleasant feeling of heat.

In rosacea flushing is often caused by a certain trigger, such as sun exposure, hot drinks or exercise. See causes of rosacea for more information about possible triggers.

Persistent facial redness

Persistent facial redness (erythema) is like a blush or a patch of sunburn that doesn’t go away, or the sort of blotchy skin often associated with drinking too much alcohol.

This can be upsetting for those with rosacea as people can mistakenly assume they are heavy drinkers.

The redness usually affects the cheeks, nose and chin, but may spread to other areas, such as the forehead, neck and chest.

Visible blood vessels

Over time the blood vessels in the skin may become permanently widened (dilated) and visible. The medical name for visible blood vessels is telangiectasia.

Papules and pustules

If you have rosacea, you may develop round red bumps that rise from your skin (papules) and pus-filled swellings (pustules).

These spots appear on your face and are similar to acne. Rosacea used to be called acne rosacea, but the 2 conditions are quite different.

In rosacea there are no blackheads and the skin is not greasy, but dry and peeling. Rosacea spots also don’t cause scarring.

Thickened skin

In the most serious cases of rosacea the skin can thicken and form excess tissue, usually around the nose. This causes the nose to take on a large, bulbous appearance (rhinophyma).

Rhinophyma is an uncommon, severe symptom of rosacea and takes several years to develop. It almost exclusively affects men.

Causes of rosacea

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, although a number of potential factors have been suggested.

It’s possible a combination of these factors may be responsible for the condition, although there isn’t enough evidence to say this for certain.

Some of the main factors that have been suggested are outlined below.

Blood vessel abnormalities

Some experts believe abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face may be a major contributing factor for rosacea. This may explain symptoms of flushing, persistent redness and visible blood vessels.

It’s not known what causes these abnormalities. But sun damage may be responsible for degeneration of the elastic tissue of the skin and the dilation of blood vessels.

Skin peptides

Recent research has shown external triggers such as ultraviolet (UV) light, spicy food, alcohol (particularly red wine), exercise, stress, heat and cold can lead to the activation of certain molecules within the skin called peptides.

Increased levels of these peptides may in turn affect the immune system or nerves and blood vessels (neurovascular system) of the skin. Activation of these systems can cause dilation of blood vessels, redness and inflammation.

Microscopic mites

Microscopic mites called demodex folliculorum usually live harmlessly on human skin, but people with rosacea have particularly large numbers, which may play a role in the condition.

It is currently uncertain whether the mite is a cause or an effect of rosacea, although some researchers have suggested the symptoms may be caused by the skin reacting to bacteria in the mites’ faeces.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria

Helicobacter pylori bacteria are bacteria found in the digestive system. It’s been suggested these bacteria may be a possible cause of rosacea, although a link hasn’t been proven.

One theory is the bacteria may stimulate the production of a protein called bradykinin, which is known to cause blood vessels to expand.

Genetics

Rosacea seems to be more common in families, although it’s not clear which genes – if any – are involved or how they’re passed on.

Triggers of rosacea

Although they’re not thought to be direct causes of the condition, many people with rosacea find certain triggers make their symptoms worse.

Different people can have different triggers, but triggers that have been commonly reported include:

  • exposure to sunlight
  • stress
  • hot or cold weather
  • strong winds
  • strenuous exercise
  • alcohol
  • hot baths
  • spicy foods
  • hot drinks
  • humidity
  • caffeine – found in tea, coffee and cola
  • the menopause
  • dairy products
  • other medical conditions
  • certain medicines – such as amiodarone, corticosteroids and high doses of vitamins B6 and B12

Treating rosacea

Although rosacea can’t be cured, treatment can help keep the symptoms under control.

Long-term treatment is usually necessary, although there may be periods where your symptoms improve and you can stop treatment temporarily.

Treatment choices depend on which type of symptom is most troublesome, but usually involves a combination of self-help measures and medication, and are outlined below. 

Self-help measures

There are a number of things you can do yourself to help keep the symptoms of rosacea under control, including:

  • avoiding things that trigger your symptoms – for example, by using sun cream and covering yourself up if direct sunlight makes your symptoms worse
  • taking good care of your skin – for example, by using products suitable for sensitive skin
  • using make-up – patches of persistent red skin can be disguised using specially designed camouflage make-up
  • keeping your eyelids clean – if rosacea is causing your eyelids to become inflamed (blepharitis)

Treating papules and pustules

If you have round red bumps that rise from your skin (papules) and pus-filled swellings (pustules) caused by rosacea, there are a number of different medications that can be effective.

These can be divided into topical treatments that are applied to the skin, or oral treatments, which are taken by mouth.

Topical treatments

Topical medications are usually prescribed first. These include:

  • metronidazole cream or gel
  • azelaic acid cream or gel
  • ivermectin cream

Ivermectin is a relatively new medicine. There’s some evidence to suggest it may be more effective and perhaps less irritating to the skin than metronidazole, although it’s not currently available on the NHS everywhere and may only be recommended if the other treatments don’t work.

You’ll usually need to apply these topical treatments once or twice a day, taking care not to get them in your eyes or mouth. It may be several weeks before you notice any significant improvement in your symptoms.

Side effects of these treatments can include a burning or stinging sensation, itchiness and dry skin.

Oral antibiotics

If your symptoms are more severe, an oral antibiotic medication may be recommended as these can help reduce inflammation of the skin.

Antibiotics often used to treat rosacea include tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin. 

These medications are usually taken for 4 to 6 weeks, but longer courses may be necessary if the spots are persistent.

For example, a low-dose doxycycline capsule is available if oral antibiotics need to be taken long term.

Common side effects of these medications include:

  • feeling and being sick
  • diarrhoea
  • bloating and indigestion
  • tummy (abdominal) pain
  • loss of appetite

Some of the medications used can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight and artificial sources of light, such as sun lamps and sunbeds.

As with the topical treatments mentioned above, these medications usually need to be taken once or twice a day and you may not notice a significant improvement in your symptoms for several weeks.

Oral isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a medicine often used to treat severe acne, but at lower doses it’s also occasionally used to treat rosacea.

As isotretinoin is a strong medication that can cause a range of side effects, it can only be prescribed by a specialist in treating skin conditions (dermatologist) and not your GP.

Common side effects of isotretinoin include:

  • dryness and cracking of the skin, lips and nostrils
  • inflammation of your eyelids (blepharitis) or eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • headaches
  • muscle or joint pain
  • back pain
  • blood in your urine (haematuria)
  • mood changes

Isotretinion can also cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Treating facial redness

Treating facial redness and flushing caused by rosacea is generally more difficult than treating papules and pustules caused by the condition. 

But as well as the self-help measures mentioned above, there are some medications that can help.

Brimonidine tartrate

Brimonidine tartrate is a relatively new medication for facial redness caused by rosacea. It comes in the form of a gel that’s applied to the face once a day.

The medication works by restricting the widening (dilation) of the blood vessels in your face. Research has shown it can start to have an effect about 30 minutes after it’s first used, and this can last for around 12 hours.

Common side effects of brimonidine tartrate include itchiness and a burning sensation where the gel is applied.

Less common side effects can include:

  • a dry mouth
  • headaches
  • pins and needles
  • dry skin

A rebound effect, where flushing becomes worse, has also been reported with this medication.

Oral treatments

Alternatively, there are a number of oral medications that may help improve redness caused by rosacea.

These include:

  • clonidine – a medication that relaxes the blood vessels
  • beta-blockers – medications that decrease the activity of the heart
  • anxiety medications – medications sometimes used to help calm the person and reduce blushing 

It’s not clear how effective these medications are at treating redness caused by rosacea, but they may sometimes be prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment

Redness and visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) can also sometimes be successfully improved with vascular laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. These treatments may also improve flushing.

A referral to a dermatologist is usually required before having these treatments and they’re not usually available on the NHS, so you may need to pay for them privately. Around 2 to 4 treatments may be needed, so the overall cost may be significant.

Laser and IPL machines produce narrow beams of light that are aimed at the visible blood vessels in the skin. The heat from the lasers damages the dilated veins and causes them to shrink so they’re no longer visible, with minimal scarring or damage to the surrounding area.

Laser treatment can cause pain, but most people don’t need an anaesthetic. Side effects of laser treatment are usually mild and can include:

  • bruising
  • crusting of the skin
  • swelling and redness of the skin
  • blisters (in rare cases)
  • infection (in very rare cases)

These side effects usually only last a few days and are rarely permanent.

Treating thickened skin

In some people with rosacea the skin of the nose can become thickened. This is known as rhinophyma.

If you have severe rhinophyma, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss ways the appearance of your skin can be improved.

A number of surgical treatments are available to remove any excess tissue and remodel the nose into a more pleasing shape.

This may be done with a laser, a scalpel or specially designed abrasive instruments using a technique called dermabrasion.

Treating eye problems

If rosacea is affecting your eyes (ocular rosacea), you may require further treatment. 

For example, you may need to use lubricating eye drops or ointment if you have dry eyes, or oral antibiotics if you have blepharitis.

If initial treatment isn’t effective or you develop any further problems with your eyes, you’ll need to be referred to an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment.

Preventing rosacea

If you have rosacea, there are a number of things you can do to help keep the condition under control.

Avoid triggers

Many people with rosacea notice certain triggers make their symptoms worse. Although it’s not always practical or possible, taking steps to avoid these triggers can help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

If you’re not sure whether your symptoms have a specific trigger, it may be useful to keep a diary to identify whether your symptoms get worse depending on things like the activities you do and foods or drinks you have.

Advice about how to avoid some common triggers can be found below.

Sunlight

As sunlight is the most commonly reported trigger of rosacea, you should use sun cream whenever possible, even when it’s overcast.

A sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended. A broad-spectrum sun cream that protects against UVA and UVB light should be used.

Using sun creams specifically designed for children may help reduce skin irritation. Covering exposed skin with clothes or a sun hat may also help.

Try to minimise your exposure to the sun during the summer months, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. 

But remember, sun can also be strong in the morning and evening, so take adequate precautions at these times as well.

Stress

Stress is also a commonly reported trigger of rosacea. Successfully managing your stress levels can help control your symptoms.

Ways you can reduce stress include:

  • learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga
  • taking regular exercise

As strenuous exercise can sometimes make rosacea symptoms worse, a low-intensity exercise programme, such as walking or swimming, may be better than high-intensity activities, such as running or aerobics.

Read about stress management.

Food and drink

Some of the most commonly reported food- and drink-related triggers are alcohol and spicy foods. You may want to try completely removing these from your diet to see if your rosacea improves.

But there are many other dietary triggers that can also affect some people with rosacea.

It’s a good idea to include information about how your diet affects your rosacea symptoms in your rosacea diary.

Cold weather

Covering your face and nose with a scarf can help protect your skin from cold temperatures and wind.

If you need to spend considerable time outside during cold weather, protect your face with a balaclava.

Skincare techniques

The advice below about skincare techniques may also help control your rosacea symptoms.

  • Clean your skin every morning and evening using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Use soap-free cleansers with non-alkaline or neutral pH. Avoid scented soaps and alcohol-based skin cleansers
  • Rinse your face with lukewarm water and allow skin to dry thoroughly before you apply medication or make-up
  • Look for products suitable for sensitive skin. These are usually described as mild, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (will not block pores)
  • Use a moisturiser to soothe skin if it feels sore
  • Avoid oil-based or waterproof cosmetics requiring solvents for removal. Use water-based make-up and skin products instead
  • Avoid astringents, toners and other facial or hair products that contain ingredients that might irritate your skin, such as fragrances, alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, eucalyptus oil, camphor, clove oil, peppermint, sodium lauryl sulphate and lanolin
  • You may want to avoid using anything on your skin that you aren’t sure of. You can then gradually reintroduce products once your symptoms have been treated and cleared to see if you can use them again without any problems
  • Men may find that using an electric razor, rather than a blade, helps reduce skin irritation
  • Some people find regular gentle facial massage reduces swelling (lymphoedema)
  • Don’t use steroid cream unless you’re specifically instructed to by your GP, as it may make your symptoms worse

Skin camouflage 

It may be possible to disguise patches of persistent red skin using specially designed camouflage make-up.

The charity Changing Faces offers a skin camouflage service, available nationally and free of charge, to help with the use of these creams.

Your GP or dermatologist can refer you to the skin camouflage service and prescribe skin camouflage make-up.

Eyelid hygiene

If your eyelids are inflamed as a result of rosacea (blepharitis), cleaning your eyelids every day with warm water and a small amount of cleaning solution can help ease your symptoms.

Avoiding eye make-up can also help reduce your symptoms, but if you do choose to wear eye make-up, make sure it is a type that washes off easily so you can still clean your eyelids.

Rosacea – MOCYTALMED

Rosacea is a chronic facial skin disease characterized by the appearance of persistent areas of redness and rashes. The symptoms of rosacea are similar to those of acne, which is why its second name is rosacea. The disease is more common in fair-skinned individuals with blue eyes between the ages of 40 and 50.

Persistent erythema, as well as the development of inflammation on the skin of the face, leads to a cosmetic defect and psycho-emotional disorders. Rosacea is a severe skin pathology, so its treatment should be carried out in the clinic and under the supervision of a qualified specialist.

Causes of rosacea

Causes of rosacea are not fully understood, however, predisposing factors to the formation of rosacea have already been identified, they include:

  1. Hereditary predisposition. Studies have found that in almost 30% of people with rosacea, at least one of the relatives had an identical disease;
  2. Vegetovascular dystonia proceeding as angioedema;
  3. Frequent stress and emotional overstrain;
  4. Excessive drinking and smoking;
  5. Living in the skin of the face of mites, a special role belongs to demodex;
  6. Irrational diet with excessive consumption of coffee, spices and spicy foods;
  7. Digestive disorders, gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection;
  8. Diseases of the endocrine system

Symptoms of rosacea

At the initial stages, a sign of rosacea is reddening of the skin of the face after the action of a provoking factor. Hyperemia affects mostly the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Gradually attacks become more frequent and the disease progresses. At first, the complexion becomes brighter, may acquire a purple-bluish tint, then papules appear, which are dense, towering formations of pink. After that, the surface of the skin becomes bumpy, with the progression of the process, pustules, pustules, form in place of the papules. Exacerbations of the disease can be triggered by severe stress, drinking coffee, alcohol, or under the influence of sudden changes in ambient temperature.

At the stage of development of abscesses, reddening of the skin is already permanent, however, healthy areas of the face remain, on which there is neither hyperemia nor inflammation. At the same time, the affected parts of the skin of the face are compacted, they have dilated blood vessels – telangiectasias. The skin becomes dry and sensitive.

In some cases, rosacea affects the eyes. This form of the disease is manifested by swelling and redness of the eyelids, dryness, discomfort in the eyes and tearing.

Treatment of rosacea

Simultaneously with the treatment of rosacea itself, the identification and treatment of concomitant diseases of the nervous, digestive and endocrine systems is carried out. Uncomplicated forms of the disease respond quickly enough to treatment. First, measures are taken to relieve inflammation on the skin, and then to eliminate the vascular network. Dilated blood vessels are effectively removed by cryotherapy and photocoagulation. How to treat rosacea should be established by a specialist after a preliminary examination of the skin and examination.

Before starting the treatment of rosacea, the MOSITALMED clinic performs diagnostics, which includes scraping microscopy, namely demodex, dermatoscopy, research using modern equipment that allows you to examine the vessels and all elements of the skin. Our specialists will select an individual rosacea treatment regimen for you that meets international standards and the latest achievements in the field of dermatology.

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Rosacea is a disease in which the vessels of the skin of the face are damaged, and is more often diagnosed in women. Pathologies are characterized by redness of the skin on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, rash, asterisks and purulent formations. This is a chronic disease in which in the later stages there is an infiltration of the affected skin. This leads to cosmetic disorders, problems in the appearance of the face. Irritants that cause the progression of the disease are changes in ambient temperature and air features.

Statistician reports that people suffering from gastritis are more likely to develop this pathology. The peak incidence occurs in the female half of 30-50 years. Men suffer from pathology much less often, but the course of the disease is complex.

The factors that cause the formation of skin anomalies are severe stress, inflammation, and sudden changes in temperature.

Causes

Rosacea mostly develops on the face, but there are cases where the disease affects the skin on the neck, chest, and upper back. Fair-skinned people are more susceptible to this disease.

Doctors do not note the only factor causing the pathology. There are external and internal processes that contribute to the launch of pathology.

There are many causes of rosacea:

  • genetic predisposition – usually the patient has close relatives suffering from the disease;
  • tendency to transient flushing of the face and periodic migraines;
  • violations of lymph circulation, lymph stagnation;
  • hormonal changes – periods of menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and endocrine diseases can aggravate skin disorders;
  • incorrect work of the sebaceous glands;
  • active vital activity of skin parasites – iron mites;
  • disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, errors in food;
  • failure of the immune system;
  • thermal burns of the skin;
  • severe stressful conditions;
  • smoking, excessive alcohol consumption;
  • occupational hazards in severe temperature conditions;
  • the use of certain drugs, the local use of hormonal agents;
  • applying cosmetics that contain harmful chemical components.

Classification

Doctors distinguish several forms of rosacea in connection with the characteristics of skin manifestations:

  • erythematous-telangiectatic;
  • papulopustular;
  • hypertrophic;
  • eye;
  • granulomatous.

It is believed that the most common form of rosacea is the first, it occurs 4 times more often than the second. Hypertrophic anomaly is diagnosed in 1-4% of patients, including many men.

It is customary to talk about the stages of rosacea, which are characterized by degrees of severity:

  • light;
  • medium-heavy;
  • heavy.

Symptoms

Usually the disease has a chronic basis, there are periods of exacerbation and remission. It is possible to suspect the presence of an ailment in the event of red spots on contact with cold, hot water, temperature change of modes, use of hot drinks.

Red spots appear in the T-zone of the face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin). The first symptomatology usually does not cause discomfort to the patient, because redness can be easily hidden with cosmetics.

Erythematous-telangiectatic form of rosacea is manifested by spots on the skin of the face, the neck and chest are affected less frequently. Red areas occur when interacting with adverse factors, and then have a chronic nature.

Symptoms of the above rosacea:

  • burning of the skin of the face;
  • dryness on the face;
  • tightening of the skin;
  • tingling sensation in the area of ​​erythema;
  • the occurrence of discomfort when using cosmetics, sunscreens and other creams.

Signs of papulestenous form of rosacea:

  • the appearance of bright pink nodules and tubercles ranging in size from 3 to 5 mm;
  • further appearance of pustules with sterile components;
  • burning, tingling on the affected areas of the face.

The hypertrophic form of the disease is characterized by:

  • persistent erythema;
  • the development of numerous telangiectasias, papules and pustules;
  • thickening of the skin;
  • the appearance of bumpy formations;
  • deformation of the skin of the nose, forehead, chin.

Ophthalmic rosacea often develops along with skin disorders and occurs with these phenomena:

  • itching, redness and burning in the eye area;
  • a veil before the eyes;
  • photosensitivity.

The granulomatous type of skin disease has the following symptoms:

  • the presence of yellow, brown papules that can transform into scars;
  • dry and tight skin.

A feature of rosacea in men is the constant redness and thickening of the skin on the nose. Patients often present with rhinophyma. In a severe form of the course of the disease, the area around the eyes may be affected. People complain of dry eyes, discomfort when blinking, profuse lacrimation.

Diagnostics

At the first discomfort, you should consult a specialist. A dermatologist is engaged in identifying and confirming the diagnosis. To ascertain a skin disorder, a doctor needs a sufficient visual examination.

In complex cases, additional diagnostics of rosacea is provided, consisting of laboratory and instrumental studies:

  • histological examination of biopsy material and contents obtained during surgical interventions;
  • biochemical study of total bilirubin, ALT, AST, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, necessary before selecting therapy.

If the patient has disorders of the organs of vision, then an ophthalmologist’s consultation is needed. If you suspect a violation of the digestive tract, you should seek the advice of a gastroenterologist.

Treatment

At the first manifestations, the disease can be stopped by local therapy, but since we are talking about a chronic disease, the goal of treating rosacea is to achieve remission in the patient and correct symptoms.

When a patient has purulent formations on his face, he is prescribed ointments and gels containing antibiotics. If these remedies do not work, then drugs such as antibiotics are prescribed to combat rosacea.

Ointments based on metronidazole and herbal infusion have proven themselves well in the treatment of rosacea. A successful result is shown by the laser method.

Non-advanced forms of the disease are well and quickly corrected, but often the treatment lasts for several months. To completely get rid of the disease, it is important to eliminate not only the symptoms of the disease, but also its causes.

Methods such as photocoagulation and cryotherapy are considered reliable and effective in eliminating dilated skin vessels in disease. At the end of rosacea treatment, doctors recommend that patients use creams with high UV protection.

For rosacea, doctors recommend that patients use pharmacy cosmetics, which are indicated for the care of sensitive, dry skin prone to redness. Such care will help create a soothing and moisturizing effect, reduce irritation.

Patients often have digestive problems and have confirmed gastrointestinal pathologies, so following a diet will help reduce the development of rosacea. It is important to exclude spicy, fried foods from the diet. It is necessary to abandon milk, processed meat products, fast food. It is worth including soups, low-fat foods, vegetables, fruits, dietary meats and cereals in your menu.

Experts provide clinical advice to help manage and reduce the symptoms of rosacea:

  • monitor the condition of the skin, the appearance of new formations, redness, rash;
  • control the state of the digestive tract;
  • follow a diet;
  • avoid negative effects on the skin;
  • use safe cosmetics;
  • contact a specialist in a timely manner in case of unpleasant symptoms.

The author of the article:

Shapovalova Valeria Olegovna

cosmetologist, dermatologist, trichologist

work experience 7 years

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