Hello
This article appeared in the Daily Mail You magazine several years ago and I cut it out and filed it at the time as I thought it was good and there were comments from Tony Chu. Despite it's age it is still relevant so I have typed it up and posted it below. A reader had written in with this question.
Question. I suffer from rosacea and can't seem to find anything that really controls the facial redness. Please can you give me any advice on this embarrassing problem?
Answer. Skin problems can be so difficult to live with - not only do they feel uncomfortable but they are visible as well. Around 2% of the population suffer from rosacea and although it is more common in women it tends to be more severe in men. It is often confused with acne. Tony Chu, consultant dermatologist at London's Hammersmith Hospital, says you should get the condition treated. If your GP is at a loss as to what to do, ask for a referral to a dermatologist with an interest with the condition.
Rosacea in itself is not serious but left untreated can cause permanent skin damage warns Dr Chu. The facial redness is due to an abnormality of the blood vessels, which tend to be overactive and cause flushing attacks. Some sufferers develop tiny spots over the reddened area. If the condition is not treated, it's possible to develop rhinophyma, when the nose becomes red and bulbous as a result of enlargement of the oil glands in the skin. When this happens rosacea sufferers are often mistaken for alcoholics which causes more distress says Dr Chu.
Treatment may be a case of trial and error. In the first instance your GP should prescribe antibiotics which have an anti-inflammatory action. Tetracycline is often used if spots are present. You can also get gels containing metronidazole which Dr Chu says is effective in the early stages. The flushing can be helped with a drug such as clonidine which calms down the blood vessels. It can lower the blood pressure slightly but it is a very safe drug to use he reassures.
Apart from drug therapy you can minimise the problem says Marie Cunningham, a nurse who works for the Acne Support Group and who is a rosacea sufferer. The two most important elements of skincare are moisturising and sun protection Even on a cloudy day you should wear a sunscreen because sunlight can make the problem worse she says. Use at least a factor 15 sunscreen and find a moisturiser that doesn't irritate your skin - unscented, hypoallergenic products tend to be best.
You should also try to identify what triggers flushing attacks suggests Marie. Alcohol is a common trigger, as are hot drinks and food, spicy meals, stress and temperature changes. I cope by covering my skin with light make-up says Marie. A tinted moisturiser is best because it easily soaks into the skin and I don't have to rub my face to apply it. If your face feels sore and hot she recommends aloe vera gel which is soothing and will help to cool the skin.
Eventually the problem will go away says Dr Chu. But it can last for 6 months to 20 years - so do see somebody about treatment.
Anyway I hope this is of interest.
Thanks
Peter