Rosacea

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, long-term inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face. It often causes persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels and acne-like bumps, and may become more noticeable over time if left untreated.

Although rosacea cannot be cured, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can effectively control symptoms, reduce flare-ups and help prevent progression.

At Mermaid Beach Dermatology, our Specialist Dermatologists offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments, including prescription medications, laser therapy and personalised skincare advice to help achieve long-term control.

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About Rosacea

  • What causes rosacea?

    The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, immune and environmental factors.

    Several processes appear to contribute, including:

    • Increased sensitivity of the facial blood vessels

    • Overactivity of the immune system

    • Inflammation within the skin

    • Increased numbers of Demodex mites in some individuals

    • Genetic predisposition

    Rosacea most commonly develops in adults between 30 and 60 years of age and is more frequently seen in people with fair skin, although it can affect all skin types.

  • What are the symptoms?


    Rosacea varies considerably between individuals and may include one or more of the following:

    • Persistent facial redness

    • Easy flushing or blushing

    • Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)

    • Red bumps and pus-filled pimples

    • Sensitive or easily irritated skin

    • Burning or stinging sensations

    • Dry or rough skin

    • Facial swelling

    The cheeks, nose, chin and forehead are most commonly affected.

    Without treatment, symptoms often become more persistent and more difficult to manage.

  • Ocular rosacea

    Rosacea can also affect the eyes, known as ocular rosacea.

    Symptoms may include:

    • Dry or gritty eyes

    • Red eyes

    • Watery eyes

    • Burning or irritation

    • Light sensitivity

    • Recurrent eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

    • Styes

    Because ocular rosacea can occasionally affect vision if left untreated, patients experiencing eye symptoms should be assessed promptly by an Ophthalmologist.

  • Rhinophyma

    A small proportion of patients, particularly men, develop progressive thickening of the skin on the nose known as rhinophyma.

    This occurs because of enlargement of the oil glands and connective tissue, causing the nose to become enlarged and irregular in appearance.

    Early treatment of rosacea may help reduce the risk of progression. Laser treatments and other surgical techniques can significantly improve rhinophyma when it develops.

  • What triggers rosacea?

    Many people notice that certain factors trigger flare-ups.

    Common triggers include:

    • Sun exposure

    • Hot weather

    • Exercise

    • Emotional stress

    • Hot drinks

    • Alcohol

    • Spicy foods

    • Wind

    • Extreme temperatures

    • Some skincare products

    • Certain medications

    Keeping a diary of flare-ups can help identify individual triggers.

  • How is rosacea diagnosed?

    Rosacea is usually diagnosed by a Specialist Dermatologist following a thorough medical history and skin examination.

    Because rosacea can resemble acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, lupus and other skin conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment.

  • How is rosacea treated?

    Treatment depends on the type of rosacea, its severity and the symptoms affecting each individual.

    Our treatment options include:

    • Personalised skincare advice

    • Gentle cleansers and moisturisers suitable for sensitive skin

    • Prescription anti-inflammatory creams

    • Prescription creams that reduce facial redness by temporarily constricting blood vessels

    • Oral antibiotics for inflammatory rosacea

    • Oral isotretinoin (Vitamin A derivative) for selected patients with severe or treatment-resistant rosacea

    • Management of ocular rosacea in collaboration with your GP or ophthalmologist where appropriate

    Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and often involve a combination of therapies.

  • Laser treatment for rosacea

    Laser and light-based treatments are among the most effective options for reducing the visible blood vessels and persistent redness associated with rosacea.

    At Mermaid Beach Dermatology, we offer advanced vascular laser and light treatments to:

    • Reduce persistent facial redness

    • Treat visible blood vessels

    • Improve flushing over time

    • Slow progression of new blood vessel formation

    • Improve skin texture

    • Treat rhinophyma (thickening of the nose) in selected patients

    Several treatment sessions are often required for the best results, and maintenance treatments may be recommended over time.

  • Looking after rosacea at home

    Good skincare plays an important role in controlling rosacea.

    We recommend:

    • Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day

    • Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products

    • Avoiding harsh scrubs and exfoliants

    • Moisturising regularly to support the skin barrier

    • Identifying and avoiding personal triggers where possible

    • Protecting your face from excessive heat and sun exposure

  • BBL® HEROic™ for rosacea

    At Mermaid Beach Dermatology we offer Sciton BBL® HEROic™ to treat rosacea and facial redness.

    Precise broad-spectrum light targets small blood vessels to reduce:

    • persistent redness and flushing

    • visible capillaries

    • diffuse redness (cheeks, nose, chin)

    • inflammatory rosacea when used with appropriate medical therapy

    Treatments improve overall skin tone while sparing surrounding skin using advanced cooling and intelligent energy delivery.

    Most patients need 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart; maintenance may be needed for this chronic condition.

    Best long-term outcomes combine BBL® HEROic™ with tailored skincare, trigger avoidance, and prescription medications.

    After consultation, your Specialist Dermatologist will confirm suitability and create a personalized plan.

  • Why choose Mermaid Beach Dermatology?

    Our Specialist Dermatologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of rosacea, from mild flushing through to severe inflammatory disease and rhinophyma.

    We provide comprehensive, evidence-based care including:

    • Accurate diagnosis

    • Individualised treatment plans

    • Prescription topical and oral medications

    • Advanced vascular laser treatments

    • Management of ocular rosacea

    • Long-term strategies to minimise flare-ups and prevent progression

    Our goal is to improve both the appearance of your skin and your confidence, while helping you achieve long-term control of your rosacea.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Although rosacea can cause pimples, it is a different condition to acne. Rosacea does not typically cause blackheads and usually affects adults with persistent facial redness and flushing.

  • There is currently no cure for rosacea, but most people achieve excellent control with the right combination of skincare, medications and, when appropriate, laser treatment.

  • For many people, rosacea gradually progresses over time. Early treatment can reduce inflammation, minimise the development of visible blood vessels and lower the risk of permanent skin thickening.

  • Laser treatment does not cure rosacea, but it is one of the most effective ways to reduce persistent redness and visible blood vessels. It is often combined with medical treatment and good skincare to achieve the best long-term results.

  • Yes. Rosacea can involve the eyes, causing dryness, irritation, redness and eyelid inflammation. If you develop eye symptoms, you should seek assessment, as treatment may be required to prevent complications.

  • No. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition influenced by genetics, the immune system and environmental triggers.

  • You should arrange a consultation if:

    • Facial redness is becoming persistent.

    • You experience frequent flushing.

    • Acne treatments are not working.

    • Visible blood vessels are developing.

    • Your rosacea is affecting your confidence or quality of life.

    • You have symptoms involving your eyes.

    • You would like to discuss laser treatment or advanced prescription therapies.

Contact Us

Call us on 07 5597 0016 or complete the form below