Medical Dermatology

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition of the face that gives the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance most prevalent in 30 to 60 year age group.

It is most common in Celtic skin types i.e those of fair skin and blue eyes. Features of rosacea include small blood vessels and tiny pimples.

Other features are as follows

• A flushed face with broken capillaries and redness. Flushing or redness may be triggered by factors such as alcohol (red wine) , hot environments and spicy foods.
• Blushing easily
• Red spots on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The spots are dome shaped not pointed I.e never reach a head. Characteristically there are no blackheads, whiteheads or cysts. Skin sensitivity is common to cosmetics, creams, sunscreens.
• Other Features are red sore gritty eyelids, large nose with prominent pores.
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can halt the progress of the condition.

Treatment
Acne Rosacea can be treated using a range of new technologies and some patients choose to combine this with medication. As we are a medical clinic we can assess your skin and prescribe medication if it is indicated in your case. This means you get the best treatment tailored to your particular symptoms. As Dr. Fay has a Masters in Dermatology, she has experience in treating rosacea.
We also offer laser and IPL treatments which can significantly lessen the appearance of redness with 2-3 treatments over a 4-6 month period. Many patients are so delighted with the improvement that they opt to return once a year for a top up treatment to prevent any deterioration.

What are your options if you have Rosacea?
General advice

• Reduce factors that cause facial flushing such as red wine, alcohol, extremes of temperature hot showers, saunas, and spicy foods.

Medical Treatments
Prescription medications are the treatment of choice in inflammatory rosacea I.e for spots and pimples.
Metronidazole cream or gel i.e Rozex is very effective for mild rosacea. You may use this intermittently or longterm as needed without any adverse effects.

Oral antibiotics (e.g tetracyclines, doxycycline and minocyclines) are the treatment of choice for more severe inflammatory rosacea. Antibiotics work by reducing inflammation. A typical course is between 6 to 12 weeks. This depends on the severity of your rosacea and during your consultation you will be advised which treatment is most appropriate for you. Occasionally antibiotics may need to be prescribed on and off over years to control the condition.

Laser treatments
At Slievemore Laser and Skincare clinic we use IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser machines to treat the broken capillaries associated with Rosacea. Usually 3 to 4 treatment are recommended
Mild swelling and minimal bruising may occur.

Rosacea consultations €65
Consultation for Laser treatment for Rosacea €50, redeemable on your first treatment.

Related Cosmetic Treatments 
Laser Vein Removal
IPL Photorejuvenation