If your cheeks, nose or chin flush easily and the redness never quite settles, you are not alone. Rosacea is a common cause of persistent facial redness, but it is not the only one, which is why a proper assessment matters. Here is what it can look like, how to look after your skin in the meantime, and what to ask when you book in.
What can rosacea look like?
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mostly affects the centre of the face. It often appears between the ages of 30 and 50, and it is not contagious. Healthdirect — Rosacea
Signs can include:
- flushing or blushing that comes and goes, often the first thing people notice
- redness across the cheeks and nose that does not fade
- small, visible blood vessels
- burning or stinging
- red bumps or yellow-headed spots, without the blackheads and whiteheads of acne
- dry, gritty or irritated eyes
Better Health Channel — Rosacea
On darker skin tones, redness can be harder to see, so rosacea may be missed. Burning, bumps or sensitivity are worth mentioning even when redness is not obvious. DermNet — Rosacea
Is it always rosacea?
Not necessarily. Several conditions can look similar, including acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and eczema, and occasionally lupus. A doctor makes the diagnosis from your history and an examination, and sometimes a blood test is needed to rule other conditions out. Better Health Channel — Rosacea
Our rosacea guide explains the condition and the questions to ask in more detail.
What can make redness flare?
Triggers vary from person to person. Common ones include sun, hot or cold weather, hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol, exercise, stress, hot baths and some skincare products. Healthdirect — Rosacea
A simple diary kept for a few weeks can help you spot your own patterns. Each day, jot down:
- what you ate and drank
- the weather and where you spent your time
- the products you used
- how stressed or rushed you felt
- when a flush started and how long it lasted
Bring the diary to your appointment. It makes the conversation much more useful than trying to remember. DermNet — Rosacea
How can I look after my skin day to day?
Gentle is the rule. These general measures are widely recommended:
- a mild, soap-free cleanser and a regular moisturiser DermNet — Rosacea
- sunscreen and a hat whenever you are outdoors Healthdirect — Rosacea
- skipping scrubs, harsh exfoliants and alcohol-based products DermNet — Rosacea
- no steroid creams on your face unless a doctor has prescribed them, as they can make rosacea worse Healthdirect — Rosacea
- keeping your face cool when you can
If a product stings, stop using it and bring its name along. An ingredient list is one of the most helpful things you can show a practitioner.
What are the treatment options?
Medical treatments include creams or gels, tablets such as some antibiotics, and laser or light treatments for visible blood vessels and persistent redness. There is no cure, but these treatments can help control symptoms, and the right choice depends on the type of rosacea. That is a conversation for your GP or dermatologist. Healthdirect — Rosacea
When to see your GP or dermatologist
See your GP if you think you might have rosacea, especially if:
- the redness is new, spreading or getting worse
- you notice bumps, swelling or thickening skin on your nose
- products that used to suit you now sting or burn
- it is affecting your confidence or mood
Eye symptoms such as dryness, grittiness, sensitivity to light, swollen eyelids or blurred vision need prompt attention from your doctor or an eye specialist, because untreated eye rosacea can affect your vision. Healthdirect — Rosacea
What can we talk about at Melbourne Wellness?
At an advanced skin analysis appointment we can look closely at your skin with you, go through your routine and the products you use, and help you notice patterns and possible triggers. If anything suggests you need a medical assessment, we will say so and encourage you to see your GP or dermatologist.
Questions you might bring along:
- When did the redness start, and what makes it better or worse?
- Which products could I simplify or stop?
- What should I tell my GP, and when?
- How will we know whether my routine is helping?
If your skin reacts to products, you may also find our post on choosing a moisturiser for sensitive skin useful.
