Just what is rosacea and what can sufferers do to minimise the effects of this often distressing skin condition?

Most of us blush when we are embarrassed and develop a red face when exercising. This blushing is caused by the capillaries under the surface of the skin dilating with blood and the flushing disappears after a few moments. In the early stages of rosacea, this blush may take hours or even days to disappear. And the reddened skin may be accompanied by itching, burning and a lower tolerance to skincare products. In later stages of the condition, the flushing lasts for much longer periods and the affected areas may dilate and swell up with blood. The skin takes on a purplish hue and develops bumps and pimples. The affected area may also become dry and flaky. As the rosacea gets worse the veins begin to weaken and leak, becoming unable to remove lymph from the blood system in the normal way.

Rosacea can also affect the eyes. Sufferers’ eyes often appear watery or bloodshot and they may complain of a gritty sensation or the feeling that there is a foreign body in the eye. In extreme cases the cornea of the eye can become opaque and cause loss of sight.

While there is no known cause for rosacea there are several theories about why it may develop. There could be a link with a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers, an infestation of skin mites, a fungus, a malfunction of the connective tissue under the skin or even psychological factors. Environmental factors such as air-borne toxins and toxic chemicals may also be a factor.

Rosacea could be hereditary and there does appear to be a link with certain skin types. Fair, thin, Northern European skins appear to be particularly prone to rosacea as well as other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

There are a number of elements that may provoke an outbreak of rosacea. These include exposure to the sun; stress; artificial sweeteners; foods such as coffee, chocolate or tomatoes; alcohol or smoking.

At present the condition cannot be cured but there are various effective treatments available. Sufferers can be prescribed oral or topical antibiotics for their anti-inflammatory qualities. Occasionally a cardiovascular medication may also be used to control the flushing. Dermatologists recommend that the face be cleansed morning and night with a mild cleanser. Rinse the face several times with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Allow the skin to dry in the air for several minutes before applying the topical medication. Let the medication soak into the skin for around ten minutes before applying a moisturiser.

Avoid using exfoliaters or a rough washcloth, creams containing AHAs or retinol (over-the-counter Vitamin A products), acne creams and extremes of temperature. Using a good moisturiser and suncare product are essential to help avoid a flare-up of the condition.

Skincare products should include key ingredients such as aloe, arnica, camomile or green tea. Laser treatment may be recommended to remove visible blood vessels and reduce excessive redness. Generally at least three laser treatments are necessary.

A professional skincare therapist can also offer relief to sufferers of rosacea in the following ways:

• a vitamin facial that contain specific products to help reduce redness and normalise skin condition
• massage to aid lymphatic drainage will prevent the swelling caused by damaged blood vessels
• the application of cool marble stones to relieve redness and swelling
• reflexology and stress-relief techniques
• aromatherapy oils such as lavender and sandalwood.

Using a good moisturiser and suncare product are essential to help avoid a flare-up of the condition.

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