Your Private GP and Sexual Health Clinic in Canary Wharf

Rosacea

Dr Wayne Cottrell:

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the central face (cheeks, chin, nose and central forehead).

Primary symptoms (usually present)

  • Flushing (transient erythema).
  • Non-transient erythema.
  • Papules and pustules.
  • Telangiectasia.

Secondary symptoms (may be present)

  • Burning or stinging.
  • Dry and sensitive skin feeling and appearance.
  • Oedema (thickened / swollen skin).
  • Ocular manifestations.

Other conditions or triggers for facial flushing

  • Menopause
  • Excessive heat, cold, or humidity.
  • Neurological conditions, e.g. Anxiety, migraine, Parkinson’s disease.
  • Certain foods or drinks.
  • Hot, spicy foods.
  • Caffeine.
  • Alcohol.
  • Some dairy, fruit, or fish.
  • Drugs and interactions with alcohol.

Certain rare conditions should be considered, including

  • Carcinoid syndrome
  • Phaeochromocytoma
  • Mastocytosis

Skin biopsies, serologic screening, or other investigations may be necessary to differentiate the flush of rosacea from other conditions

Treatment

  • Rosacea requires long-term treatment.
  • Management strategies for patients should be tailored to the specific subtype(s).

Aims of therapy are to:

  • Alleviate signs and symptoms.
  • Facilitate remission and avoid exacerbations.
  • Maintain skin integrity.
  • Improve patient quality of life.

 Common treatments are:

  • Topical azelaic acid.
  • Ivermectin.
  • Brimonidine.
  • Oral tetracycline.
  • Isotretinoin.

 Useful tips for patients

Regardless of subtype, all rosacea sufferers should:

  • Regularly apply a combined UVA- and UVB-protective sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.
  • Use soap-free cleansers, and products for sensitive skin.
  • Use daily moisturiser (preferably twice a day).
  • When possible, avoid trigger factors.
  • Visit this useful web site: rosacea.org.
  • Keep a daily diary to identify trigger factors.

PRICES

For more information or to book an appointment call our clinic on the number below:

 

0203 197 9100BOOK APPOINTMENT

Dr Wayne Cottrell will be back in the clinic from 18 October and the clinic will be open every weekday from that date

Canada Place Shopping Mall
34 North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HX

0203 197 9100

Monday: 08:00-18:30
Tuesday: 08:00-18:30
Wednesday: 09:00-17:00
Thursday: 09:00-17:00
Friday: 09:00-17:00