What Is The Main Trigger For Rosacea?

As a skin clinic in Harley Street, we see patients with all kinds of concerns, offering practical advice, private treatments and at-home recommendations to treat and manage them. Rosacea is one such condition, characterised by a redness to the face, particularly across the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. It is not present all of the time, but can flare up now and then – so we’ll explore what may trigger rosacea, along with answering some common questions about the condition.

How do I know if I have rosacea?

You may have the condition if you:

– Have widespread redness or flushing to your face

– Feel stinging or burning when using skincare

– Notice small, broken blood vessels that don’t go away over time

– Suffer from pink or red bumps on the red patches

– See skin thicken and dry out over time

– Find your eyes affected, including crusting and swelling

– Have patches of orange-yellow skin

What if I’m unsure whether it’s rosacea?

Some symptoms of the condition may be similar to others, such as spots (acne) or dryness (dermatitis). That’s why it’s important to be diagnosed by a GP or dermatologist. Additionally, rosacea can affect the neck and shoulders, so it may depend on where you’re experiencing symptoms.

Who does rosacea affect?

It tends to be most widespread in the 30-40 age group, affecting women more than men. People generally develop early signs in their twenties, such as flushing more often. More severe symptoms can develop, including eye infections, if the condition isn’t managed.

What about rosacea triggers?

Triggers can be different between people, but common ones include diet (such as spicy foods and cheese), alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks. Sometimes, intensive exercise can be a trigger. Keeping a daily diary can help identify what these are – so take note of the skincare you’re using, any meals and snacks, and your exercise routine.

How can I treat rosacea?

At our Harley Street skin clinic, you could try treatments such as IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, as well as prescription creams and medications. It’s not possible to cure the condition, but symptoms can be managed through an effective, tailored treatment programme. We can also help with managing dryness of the skin around the eyes.

What should I avoid?

Preventing flare-ups may depend on lifestyle and diet, however there are a few other recommendations our Harley Street dermatologists would advise: gentle skincare, SPF protection outdoors and avoiding heat and humidity where possible.

What’s my next step?

If you think you might have rosacea or want to treat it, get in touch with our Harley Street skin experts and we’ll arrange a personal skin consultation!