Rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the skin on the face which can last for many years. It often develops into a rash, with papules and pustules (red and yellow pimples) and spidery dilated red veins. It comes and goes in episodes, sometimes the symptoms get worse and sometimes they get better or go away on their own.

Rosacea usually starts over the age of 20, affecting about 1 in 10 adults, and is more common in fair-skinned people and women. Many people do not realize that they have this skin condition.

Rosacea may produce: redness of the skin; inflamed pimples, bumps and patches; swelling of tissues, particularly the nose; inflammation and irritation of the eyes.

Treatment

Early treatment of rosacea may require avoidance of triggers for flushing. The skin in rosacea is particularly sensitive and a special skin care programme may be recommended. Dr Le Grice may need to prescribe special creams or tablet medication for this condition. Precise copper bromide laser removal of the dilated blood vessels is often needed to reduce the redness of the skin and pulsed dye laser treatment effectively reduces the tendency for the skin to flush badly. Often broadband light can play a useful role in treating troublesome red flushing skin.