Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common, long-lasting skin condition that mainly affects the face. It can cause redness or blushing on the cheeks, forehead, nose, chest and neck, along with other symptoms.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 111 or contact your GP practice urgently if:
You have rosacea and:
- your eye is painful
- your vision is blurred
- you’re sensitive to light
- you have a red eye
- your eye feels gritty
These could be signs of keratitis, which can be serious if it’s not treated urgently.
Contact your GP practice if:
- you have symptoms of rosacea
Diagnosis
Rosacea doesn't have one single test that can confirm it. Instead, your GP will usually reach a diagnosis simply by:
- examining your skin closely
- asking you to describe your symptoms
- asking whether you've noticed anything that seems to set off or worsen your symptoms
If needed, your GP may also arrange further tests, mainly to rule out other conditions that could be causing what you're experiencing.
Treatment
There's currently no cure for rosacea, but treatment can help control the symptoms. Left untreated, it may get worse over time.
To help treat rosacea, your doctor may suggest:
- prescription creams and gels that you put on the skin
- taking antibiotics
Your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist, known as a dermatologist, if these treatments don't work.
Rosacea triggers
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but certain things can make symptoms worse, including:
- alcohol
- spicy foods
- hot drinks
- sunlight
- hot or cold weather
- stress
- aerobic exercise like running
What can help rosacea
A few simple habits may help ease rosacea symptoms.
Do
- wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day
- try to avoid heat, sunlight or humid conditions if possible
- cover your face and nose with a scarf to help protect your skin from cold weather and wind
- use gentle skincare products for sensitive skin
- clean your eyelids at least once a day if you have blepharitis, which causes swollen, itchy eyes
- take steps to manage stress
It may also help to avoid things you know trigger your symptoms, like alcohol, hot drinks or spicy food.
Complications
Living with rosacea
If you have rosacea, you may become aware of others looking at you. Some people may make comments about your appearance or ask questions. These things can have an impact on your self-confidence and mental health.
Get support with your mental wellbeing
Support with rosacea
The charity Changing Faces can offer advice and guidance for adults and young people living with a visible difference. They also support parents of children who look different.
You can follow their self-help advice or phone their support information helpline. This is available on 300 012 0275, 10am to 4pm.
Skin camouflage
It may be possible to disguise patches of persistent red skin using special creams or powders. This is called skin camouflage. Changing Faces offers a skin camouflage service.
Find out more about skin camouflage
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