19th December 2017

Living With Rosacea

Rosacea is a relatively common skin condition that tends to affect the sufferer long-term, although it is still widely misunderstood. It predominantly affects the face and first occurs through the skin turning red for a short period of time. These episodes are known as flushing, and from here the symptoms only progress further, including permanent redness, visible blood vessels, spots, and burning sensations.

Rosacea is categorised as a relapsing condition because the sufferer will experience periods where the symptoms are significantly worse than others. The unsightly appearance of these symptoms can have rather an adverse effect on the mental wellbeing of the sufferer, making it a difficult condition to live with for some, but long-term treatment can sometimes help to control the symptoms to a certain degree.

Take Control Of Rosacea

While there is no definitive cure for Rosacea, there are steps you can take to help minimise the symptoms and take control of your condition. It helps to avoid certain triggers that have been known to link to rosacea, including alcohol and caffeine consumption, sunlight exposure, stress and certain foods, especially spicy foods. When it comes to skincare, common rosacea irritants should be avoided where possible as a lot of products tend to contain them, such as witch hazel, peppermint and eucalyptus oil.

It helps to test a product first, with a skin test on the neck, before you commit to using it. If you happen to react, you’ll know to avoid that particular product and the ingredients within it. Opt for allergy tested, fragrance-free products so as to reduce the risk of irritation, and multi-functional products that will allow you to cut your skincare down and again minimise irritation. The skin can also benefit from topical anti-inflammatory hydrating creams and water-retaining moisturisers, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Seek Professional Help For Rosacea

If you experience persistent rosacea symptoms, it’s well worth scheduling a skin health check with Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, as it’s far easier to treat and control rosacea when diagnosed earlier on. Certain medical creams and gels, as well as oral medications, can be prescribed to reduce your symptoms, although Dr Firas offers a highly effective, advanced laser treatment.

He will first assess your condition, taking into consideration your needs and expectations before creating a bespoke treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you. Dr Firas would love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today!