Question 1

What is rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. It often involves flare-ups and remissions and can affect the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. At Eudelo, our Dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to manage rosacea effectively.

Question 2

What causes rosacea?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it involves a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system factors, and environmental triggers. Factors such as sun exposure, heat, stress, certain foods, and microbes like Demodex mites may contribute. A holistic approach considering not only prescription treatment, but also skincare, lifestyle, diet, and environment is essential for management.

Question 3

How do I know if I have rosacea or just sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea often presents with blushing or persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels (i.e. vascular symptoms), and sometimes bumps or even acne like pimples (i.e. inflammatory lesions). On occasion, there may be some thickened skin on the nose, and sometimes eye symptoms like irritated feeling, gritty eyes may occur. In contrast to that, sensitive skin primarily occurs with irritation and dryness, but without any vascular and inflammatory lesions. Having said that, the differential diagnosis can be tricky to make at times. A consultation with a Dermatologist at Eudelo can clarify your diagnosis through clinical examination and expertise.

Question 4

Is rosacea contagious?

Accepted Answer

No, rosacea is not contagious. It is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by internal and external factors but cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Question 5

Can rosacea be cured?

Accepted Answer

Currently, rosacea cannot be cured as such, but it can be effectively managed (for example with appropriate medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments), which may mean it’s invisible. At Eudelo, we focus on controlling symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and improving skin appearance through evidence-based therapies, so that nobody would even know you suffer with rosacea prone skin.

Question 6

What are the common symptoms of rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include persistent facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias), and red bumps or acne-like pimples. Another common symptom is reactive, sensitive feeling skin. Skin thickening (especially on the nose, called rhinophyma) is much less common. Eye irritation (ocular rosacea) may occur, and this may be more common than most people think. Symptoms can vary among individuals and over time.

Question 7

Can rosacea affect the eyes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ocular rosacea can affect the eyes and/or eyelids, causing redness, dryness, irritation, a gritty feeling, and sometimes blurred vision. It may require a joined approach between a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist.

Question 8

Why does my skin flush so easily if I have rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea causes an exaggerated vascular response in your facial skin, making blood vessels dilate more readily in response to various triggers like heat, spicy foods, or emotional stress, leading to frequent flushing and over time persistent redness and broken vessels. This involves overactive sensory nerve fibers and signaling molecules (such as neuropeptides and inflammatory mediators) that make the vessels in rosacea-prone skin more reactive and slower to return to baseline once dilated.

Question 9

How is rosacea diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical examination by a qualified Dermatologist who assesses clinical signs and symptoms, as well as taking into account the medical history and family history of the patient. Sometimes, other conditions have to be ruled out to confirm rosacea. Very occasionally, your Dermatologist may have to take a diagnostic skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Question 10

Are there different types of rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rosacea is classified into four main subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic (shows vascular lesions including blushing, redness and visible blood vessels), papulopustular (shows inflammatory rosacea lesions including red bumps or acne-like pimples), phymatous (skin thickening, often on the nose), and ocular rosacea (eye involvement). Many patients may have overlapping features.

Question 11

What triggers rosacea flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Common triggers include sun exposure, hot or cold weather, wind, spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, stress, exercise, and certain skincare products (eg greasy rich skincare rich in oils and/or silicone derivatives). Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is key to managing rosacea.

Question 12

Can diet affect rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain foods and drinks such as spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages can provoke flare-ups. Eudelo advocates a holistic approach, including assessment of dietary triggers as part of the treatment.

Question 13

Does stress worsen rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Stress is a recognized trigger that can exacerbate flushing, redness and inflammatory lesions in rosacea. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can be beneficial as part of an overall treatment plan. However, stress management on its own rarely solves the issue, as a multi-pronged approach with review of your daily skincare (wrong skincare is a very common trigger) and (where needed) prescription creams, is needed.

Question 14

How is rosacea treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the subtype and severity but often includes topical prescription creams, lifestyle modifications, and a careful review of your daily skincare routine. In more severe cases, where this is not enough, oral anti-inflammatories or oral antibiotics may be considered. For vascular symptoms like redness or broken vessels, laser or IPL therapies can be highly effective, but inflammatory rosacea must always be treated first! At Eudelo, all medical treatments are provided by our specialist Dermatologists, ensuring safe and effective care. We will also always review your skincare regime, as this is of utmost importance. Treatment of rosacea without considering your daily skincare is bad treatment in our professional opinion!

Question 15

Are there laser treatments for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies can be very helpful for reducing blushing, redness, and visible broken blood vessels. These treatments are performed by Eudelo’s highly trained Medical Aestheticians. However, before starting laser or IPL treatment, inflammatory rosacea must be treated first! For thickened skin on the nose, a different type of laser is used.

Question 16

Can rosacea be treated with antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain oral and topical antibiotics and antimicrobials, like oral doxycycline or topical metronidazole and ivermectin, are used in rosacea for their anti-inflammatory properties to control papulopustular rosacea. These are best prescribed and monitored by experienced Dermatologists.

Question 17

Are there any natural remedies for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Some natural ingredients may feel like they soothe the skin temporarily, but their effectiveness greatly varies and there is a real risk that your rosacea may rebound later, meaning it gets worse in the long run. That’s why it’s important to consult a dermatologist before trying natural remedies that may backfire.

Question 18

Can skincare products help rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, choosing the right type of skincare is of utmost importance, if you suffer with rosacea prone skin. We have seen first hand at Eudelo that in some cases, stopping the wrong type of skincare can even clear your rosacea. Skincare can also make or break prescription treatment of rosacea, so it’s vital to see a dermatologist with expertise in cosmetic dermatology and rosacea to review your daily skincare, alongside any prescription treatment. Eudelo’s Medical Aestheticians can also recommend suitable products.

Question 19

Is it safe to use makeup if I have rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if it’s the right type of makeup, as the wrong type can make your rosacea worse. It’s important to use non-comedogenic makeup in an ultra lightweight base formulation. Avoid any products high in lipids/oils and silicone derivatives. Long-wear foundation can also be a problem. Proper removal of makeup in the evening is also essential to avoid aggravation of your rosacea. You can start with a micellar makeup remover, but this has to be followed with proper cleansing, using a suitable cleanser and water!

Question 20

How does rosacea affect emotional wellbeing?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea can significantly impact self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life due to its visible symptoms. At Eudelo, we recognize this and offer holistic care addressing both physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing.

Question 21

Can treating rosacea improve mental health?

Accepted Answer

Yes, effective management of rosacea often leads to improved confidence and self-esteem. It can even reduce anxiety and depression, if this is related to skin appearance.

Question 22

How can I prevent rosacea flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Avoid known triggers, protect your skin from excess sun exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen, use skincare that’s suitable for rosacea (low in lipids and silicone derivatives), manage stress, and most importantly - follow your dermatologist’s treatment plan!

Question 23

Is sun protection important for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Sun exposure is a known rosacea trigger, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is an essential part of a rosacea skincare regime.

Question 24

Can rosacea worsen with age?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea can progress if untreated, with symptoms potentially worsening over time. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist dermatologist can help control progression. In women, perimenopause can be a challenging time for rosacea and some women report their rosacea getting worse around this time period.

Question 25

Can men get rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rosacea affects both men and women, though women (especially women with fair skin and around mid life) have a much higher risk of being affected. Men may be more prone to phymatous changes (skin thickening, often on the nose).

Question 26

Can children develop rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea is much less common in children but can occur. Diagnosis and treatment should be managed by a Dermatologist.

Question 27

Is rosacea related to acne?

Accepted Answer

While rosacea can cause acne-like bumps and is often mistaken as acne, it is a distinct condition with different mechanisms, triggers and treatments, although they both belong into the same ‘family of diseases’.

Question 28

Can rosacea cause permanent skin damage?

Accepted Answer

If untreated, rosacea can lead to progressive inflammation in the skin, skin thickening in some patients, and permanent broken blood vessels. Early treatment with a specialist dermatologist minimizes these risks.

Question 29

Does rosacea affect all skin types?

Accepted Answer

Rosacea is most common in fair-skinned individuals but can affect all skin types and ethnicities.

Question 30

Is rosacea hereditary?

Accepted Answer

There is a genetic component, as rosacea often runs in families, but environmental factors also play a significant role in triggering flare ups. Having said that, just because rosacea runs in your family does not mean you are definitely going to be affected, too. It’s much more complex than that.

Question 31

When should I see a dermatologist for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

If you experience persistent facial redness, bumps, acne like pimples, or eye symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen or did not improve after a 3-months trial with over-the-counter products, seek evaluation by a Dermatologist, as they are the most expert doctor to treat rosacea. Don’t delay diagnosis and treatment by soldiering on your own, without dermatologist help.

Question 32

How often should rosacea be monitored?

Accepted Answer

Regular follow-ups with your dermatologist are very important to adjust treatment, when needed, and prevent flare-ups. Exact follow-up intervals are tailored to each case and may be different from person to person, but a check up every 3 months on average is common at Eudelo and sensible. Often it’s the case that you are followed up more frequently at the beginning, when we are trying to stabilise your condition, say every 8 weeks, before intervals tend to get longer during maintenance, for example every 4 months, or even 6 monthly, if all is well.

Question 33

Can rosacea recur after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rosacea can recur after treatment, because it is a chronic condition for which there is no cure as such (unlike say a chest infection, where you take a week of antibiotics and it’s cleared for good). So because rosacea is a chronic skin condition, there may be potential flare-ups that need managing. Ongoing management by a dermatologist is important because it can help prevent flare ups and keep your skin in good condition, so that the rosacea may not be visible, although your rosacea predisposition is not something that can be switched off.

Question 34

Can rosacea be linked to other medical conditions?

Accepted Answer

Some studies suggest associations with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and autoimmune conditions, as well as mood disorders like anxiety and depression, but more research is needed to clarify whether rosacea is a marker, a contributing factor, or simply coexisting with these diseases. A holistic health assessment is beneficial so that potential comorbidities and modifiable risk factors can be identified and managed early.

Question 35

Are there any new treatments for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Advances continue in rosacea treatment, including research into novel topical and systemic agents and new laser and energy based technologies. Eudelo stays up to date to offer the latest evidence-based options, tailoring combinations of prescription topicals, systemic therapies and device-based treatments to each patient’s specific subtype and severity.

Question 36

Can rosacea cause skin dryness?

Accepted Answer

It is common that rosacea sufferers report dry, sensitive and reactive skin. However, this feeling of dryness is not always true dry skin, but often a sign of microinflammation in the skin, rather than actual dryness. This needs a very different treatment approach from true dry skin (such as in atopic eczema). In rosacea with inflammatory skin lesions, skincare designed for dry skin will make the condition worse and often cause a rosacea aggravation with more bumpiness. This is a very common mistake! The correct treatment approach are anti-inflammatory prescription creams (non-steroid of course) combined with lightweight skincare low in oils and silicone derivatives. Once the microinflammation is tackled, you will not feel the need for rich skincare any longer and your skin will feel much more comfortable. The Eudelo dermatologists will always put together a full skincare regime for rosacea sufferers that compliments their prescription treatment. This is vital, but sadly often neglected.

Question 37

Is it safe to use retinoids for rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Retinoids are very useful topical ingredients that can be beneficial for many rosacea sufferers. However, retinoids can be potentially irritating and because rosacea skin tends to feel sensitive and reactive, it’s best to use retinoids in rosacea under dermatologist supervision. In most rosacea patients, we can make topical retinoids work really well, but it’s important to choose the product wisely and tailor the use to each individual, which needs expert knowledge.

Question 38

Can hormonal changes affect rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Hormonal fluctuations may influence rosacea in some individuals, but this varies person to person. Around perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen and hormone-driven hot flushes can increase facial flushing, skin sensitivity, and redness, so many women notice their rosacea either first appearing or worsening during this life stage. After menopause, rosacea can behave quite differently from person to person. In some women, symptoms ease once hormone levels stabilise and hot flushes settle, while in others the flares remain more troublesome long term.

Question 39

Does alcohol cause rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is a common trigger for flushing and flare-ups in many people with rosacea, but it does not directly cause rosacea on its own. Rosacea develops due to an underlying genetic and neurovascular/immune predisposition, and alcohol may aggravate that tendency rather than being the root cause.

Question 40

Can rosacea cause redness on the neck or chest?

Accepted Answer

While rosacea primarily affects the central face, redness and flushing can sometimes extend to the neck and upper chest in some individuals. However, if there is redness or a rash that is mainly or only on the chest, it is important to see a dermatologist to rule out other conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, contact allergy, photosensitive rashes, or even connective tissue disease–related changes, which can also cause redness in this area.

Question 41

Are there any photoprotection measures besides sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Wearing hats, sun glasses and sun protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours can all complement sunscreen use. There are also certain nutritional supplements that can complement sunscreens.

Question 42

Can rosacea worsen with certain medications?

Accepted Answer

Some medications can aggravate rosacea by increasing flushing, dilating blood vessels, or irritating the skin surface, so it is important to review all your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications with your dermatologist. Typical examples include vasodilators (such as some blood pressure drugs), niacin, and certain antidepressants. Never stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice, but do flag any rosacea worsening so your regimen can be adjusted if needed.

One of the most problematic culprits for worsening rosacea, and therefore generally contraindicated on rosacea‑prone skin, are topical steroids. Although they may initially seem to calm the skin, they often backfire over time and trigger significant rebound flares.

At Eudelo, our Dermatologists and Medical Aestheticians collaborate to provide comprehensive, individualized care for rosacea, combining medical expertise with holistic skincare and lifestyle guidance to improve your skin health and overall wellbeing.

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