The Full Story
Understanding Rosacea
Rosacea is a common, long-term inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It often causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels, flushing and, in some people, acne-like spots or skin thickening. While there is currently no cure for rosacea, symptoms can often be effectively managed with the right combination of medical advice, skincare and targeted treatments.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the blood vessels and immune response within the skin. It typically develops gradually, with episodes of facial flushing becoming more frequent before progressing to persistent redness and visible blood vessels.
Rosacea can affect both men and women but is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 30, particularly those with fair skin. Although the exact cause remains unknown, it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, immune and environmental factors.
Common Symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea presents differently from person to person. Symptoms may include:
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Persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead or chin
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Frequent facial flushing
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Visible broken capillaries (telangiectasia)
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Burning, stinging or sensitive skin
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Acne-like papules and pustules
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Dry or rough skin
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Thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose (more common in advanced cases)
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Eye irritation, dryness or redness (ocular rosacea)
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Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups.
Common Rosacea Triggers
Although triggers vary between individuals, common factors include:
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Sun exposure
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Hot weather
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Cold wind
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Exercise
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Emotional stress
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Alcohol
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Hot drinks
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Spicy foods
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Certain skincare products
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Sudden temperature changes
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Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is an important part of long-term rosacea management.
How is Rosacea Diagnosed?
Rosacea is diagnosed through a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional. There is no single blood test or scan that confirms rosacea.
During your consultation, your clinician will assess your skin, discuss your symptoms and determine whether further investigation is required to exclude other skin conditions that may appear similar.
At CUC Medical, an OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis may also be recommended to assess underlying vascular changes, inflammation and overall skin health, helping to guide your personalised treatment plan.
Types of Rosacea
Rosacea is not the same for everyone. It can present in several different forms, and some people may experience features of more than one type at the same time.
Medical Management of Rosacea
Treatment depends on the type and severity of rosacea.
Management may include:
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Medical-grade skincare to support the skin barrier
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Trigger identification and lifestyle advice
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Prescription topical medications where appropriate
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Oral medications for inflammatory rosacea when clinically indicated
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Daily broad-spectrum SPF protection
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Treatment of visible blood vessels and redness using light-based technology
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Long-term management often combines medical treatment with ongoing skincare and maintenance treatments.
Why Sciton BBL HERO® is Effective for Rosacea
Rosacea commonly causes persistent redness and visible blood vessels due to abnormal superficial blood vessels within the skin.
Sciton BBL HERO® uses BroadBand Light technology to selectively target these unwanted blood vessels while minimising damage to the surrounding tissue.
As the treated vessels are absorbed naturally by the body, redness gradually improves and the frequency of flare-ups may reduce.
Benefits may include:
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Reduction in persistent redness
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Improvement in facial flushing
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Reduction in visible blood vessels
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Improved skin tone
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Minimal downtime
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Comfortable treatment with integrated cooling technology
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Treatment recommendations vary depending on the severity of rosacea, with many patients benefiting from a course of treatments followed by maintenance sessions.
Why We Combine Treatments
Successful rosacea management often requires more than one treatment.
Your personalised treatment plan may combine:
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Sciton BBL HERO®
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Prescription treatments where appropriate
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Daily sun protection
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Lifestyle advice
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Regular skin reviews
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This combined approach aims to manage symptoms while supporting long-term skin health.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if you experience:
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Persistent facial redness
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Frequent flushing
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Visible broken blood vessels
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Acne-like spots that do not improve
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Burning or stinging skin
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Eye irritation associated with facial redness
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Worsening or rapidly changing symptoms
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Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce progression and improve symptom control.
Related Treatments
Related Conditions
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing persistent facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels or other symptoms of rosacea, book a skin consultation with our doctor-led team. Following a comprehensive skin assessment, we will identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin, concerns and long-term goals.
