Rosacea Treatment in Dubai

What Are The Symptoms of Rosacea?

The initial symptoms of rosacea include episodic flushing or small pimples or bumps. Other symptoms, such as the ones mentioned below, appear as the condition worsens:

• Persistent redness
• Stinging or burning sensation in the affected areas
• Papules and pustules spreading over a larger area
• Prominent small blood vessels under the skin

The symptoms of rosacea usually come and go. A flare-up of symptoms can last from a few weeks to a few months before subsiding.

Rosacea Causes and Risk Factors

Rosacea is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. Other contributing factors may include:

• Abnormalities in the blood vessels.
• Microscopic mites.
• Skin peptides.
• Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Triggers that may prompt or worsen rosacea symptoms are:

• Stress.
• Extreme Temperatures.
• Strenuous physical activity.
• Exposure to sunlight.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Hot drinks.
• Hot baths.
• Menopause.
• Spicy foods.
• Some medical conditions.
• Certain medications.

Types of Rosacea

Rosacea is generally classified into four types based on the symptoms and complications they cause.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

This type of rosacea usually causes small vessels beneath the facial skin to become enlarged and visible, causing redness on the face. Without treatment, Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea may spread over a larger area or become more persistent or even permanent.

Papulopustular Rosacea

This type of rosacea is characterized by pustules or papules that resemble whiteheads. These growths are usually in the form of red and swollen bumps or pus-filled pimples. For this reason, it is often confused with acne. Papulopustular rosacea commonly occurs on the cheeks, forehead, and chin and occasionally on the neck, chest, and scalp.

Phymatous Rosacea

Phymatous rosacea causes excess tissue formation that leads to skin thickening. It is a rare type of rosacea that commonly affects the nose, making it appear bulbous. It is more prevalent in men than in women.

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea can affect the eyes and surrounding skin. It typically causes the eyes to look watery or bloodshot. It may also cause irritation or a burning sensation in the eyes. In some cases, ocular rosacea may cause cyst formation on the eyelids.

Diagnosis

There are no specific tests to determine if you have rosacea. The only way to diagnose is a physical checkup, during which the doctor will visually examine the affected area and examine symptoms. Diagnostic tools like dermatoscopy may be used for a close examination.

Rosacea Treatments

Below, we have briefly described treatments and measures to keep rosacea under control.

Medications

Both topical and oral medication options are available to treat rosacea. Your doctor will recommend either option after analyzing your case.

Topical Medications

Topical solutions usually help control mild to moderate rosacea symptoms. Options include:

• Brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade) – These solutions help reduce flushing by constricting dilated blood vessels responsible for flushing.
• Metronidazole (Metrogel, Noritate), azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea), and ivermectin (Soolantra) – These topical products help reduce the appearance of pimples caused by mild rosacea.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are usually reserved for moderate to severe rosacea cases. The most commonly prescribed medications are:

• Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline for treating bumps and pimples caused by moderate to severe rosacea
• Oral acne drugs, such as isotretinoin for treating certain rosacea types of severe rosacea (e.g., phymatous rosacea) that cannot be managed with other options

Please note that oral medications should be used only when prescribed by a qualified dermatologist or practitioner. 

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can effectively reduce rosacea’s typical redness caused by dilated blood vessels. During this treatment, your doctor will use an intense laser beam of a particular wavelength to collapse visible blood vessels, making them less visible or even disappear.

IPL Therapy

IPL (intense pulsed light) is one of the effective treatments for rosacea. It involves directing controlled light flashes at the treatment region. The specific IPL wavelengths target redness, inflammation, pimples, and uneven skin tone caused by the condition. The skin’s condition and appearance improve over time after the treatment.

Prevention and Self-Care

General self-care and preventive methods can effectively help in avoiding rosacea flare-ups. Some guidelines are worth mentioning here.

• Limit your sun exposure to avoid flare-ups. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
• Reduce stress, as it can trigger rosacea symptoms.
• Limit your exposure to heat, even during strenuous physical exertions.
• Be diligent with skin care by using gentle products and staying on top of your skincare routine.
• Avoid spicy foods, as they can trigger flare-ups.
• Stay hydrated.
• Protect your skin from extreme temperatures and wind.

Cost

The cost of rosacea treatment in Dubai starts at AED 1615. The exact price may vary from person to person, depending on the following factors:

• The severity of the condition.
• The treatment option selected.
• Treatment area.
• The geographic location of the clinic or treatment facility.
• The practitioner’s expertise.

Can I Permanently Get Rid Of Rosacea?

There is currently no cure for rosacea. However, several treatments – including clinical procedures, medications, and prevention methods – are available to manage its symptoms and avoid flare-ups. These treatments can delay or reduce the intensity of rosacea flare-ups but may not provide permanent relief.

Does Rosacea Get Worse With Age?

Yes, rosacea may worsen with age. It commonly occurs after age 30 and becomes more complex and hard to treat with time.

What Foods Help Heal Rosacea?

Foods that can help reduce rosacea flare-ups include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains like wheat, barley, and oats
• Beans
• Fermented foods

How Do You Calm Down Rosacea Fast?

You may use a cool, damp cloth or compress to reduce the intensity of a flare-up. This quick therapy eases inflammation and may reduce redness.

Is Rosacea A Severe Health Condition?

Most of the time, rosacea is not a severe health condition as it usually only affects your facial skin. In rare cases, ocular rosacea can cause complications such as corneal thinning and inflammation, which, if left untreated, could lead to blurred vision or even vision loss.

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Nicole Zysk

Medical Aesthetician

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