Rosacea Treatment in Sydney

Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a common inflammatory skin condition that generally affects women in the facial region.

Rosacea is a very common chronic skin problem that typically affects Caucasian people; however, it can affect people of any ethnicity. It is a type of inflammatory skin condition that can present with either pimples or pustules on the face, blood vessels, skin swelling, redness or blushing skin.

There are some eye symptoms that people can get with rosacea such as dry irritated eyes or styes along the lid margin. Some patients have rosacea that affects their nose where you get a bulbous swollen nose, which is called rhinophyma. Learn more about rhinophyma today.

Patients affected by this condition describe their skin being sensitive with either a burning type of pain or itch. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for patients affected by rosacea or acne rosacea.

Types of Rosacea

• Acne Rosacea – Commonly mistaken for advanced or severe acne, acne rosacea presents as permanent flush on the forehead, cheeks and sometimes chin. Yellow-headed pimples are common with this form of rosacea however, unlike acne, this form of rosacea does not scar.
• Ocular Rosacea – Rosacea is easily evolved around the eyes causing the eyelids and surface of the eye to inflame.
• Papulopustular Rosacea – Also known as inflammatory rosacea, this form of rosacea begins with the development of inflammatory papules and pustules, most commonly on the central face.
• Phymatous Rosacea – This form of rosacea presents as a red, lumpy bulbous nose. It often evolves into rhinophyma, which is treatable.
• Vascular Rosacea – Also known as erythrotelangiectatic rosacea, this form of rosacea is the swelling of underlying blood vessels that leads to swollen, heated skin. A common result of this skin condition are pimples and visible blood vessels on the face.

Rosacea Causes

Rosacea is typically related to the skin’s immune system with a genetic component. Some environmental factors may also feature, such as the role of such as UV radiation. In recent years, many Australian Dermatologists have worked out that a mite called Demodex may be implicated, although the role of this mite is unclear.

Rosacea Treatments

Treatment for rosacea depends on the type of rosacea. If it’s the vascular type of rosacea, which we call erythrotelangiectatic rosacea, the best treatment is laser or light-based treatments.

With inflammatory rosacea, however, where patients get pimples or pustules, the treatment is generally topical therapy. This topical therapy can come in the form of topical antibiotics, ivermectin medication, oral antibiotics or tetracyclines, which all contain anti-inflammatory properties. The key, however, as rosacea is a chronic skin condition, is to ensure patients are on board with regards to looking after the skin. This can mean paying close attention to the factors that can worsen rosacea or even trigger it.

Factors for patients to keep an eye on can include sun exposure. Our team at Quayside Specialists do encourage patients to be careful with sun exposure, avoiding extremes of temperature and intense winds, wearing broad-brimmed hat and a physical sunblock daily. It is also recommended patients maintain a healthy mindset and wellbeing. This can mean monitoring stress, alcohol intake, spicy food intake, and the consumption of hot beverages. The triggers are different for different people, but these are the common ones.

It’s also advisable that people treat their skin as being very sensitive, meaning the use of a lot of active ingredients, such as acids and retinoids, can irritate patients who have rosacea. Using gentle skin that is fragrance-free is important as well. Following these general measures are just as important as the medical treatment that we use.

Risks associated with rosacea treatments

Risks associated with treatment for rosacea include:

• Rash – These side effects are temporary should subside after a few days. If you are prone to rashes, consult your dermatologist prior to treatment.
• Redness – It’s very common to see redness after laser treatment for rosacea, however this will subside.
• Skin Tightness – These side effects should subside after a few days, however if your skin appears burned, consult your dermatologist immediately.

Rosacea Sydney CBD

When you come in to see our dermatologists at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, our team will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your skin needs.

Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.