Rosacea is thought to affect one in ten people in the UK, and yet it is often mistaken for other conditions and as a result, those who suffer from it may not seek diagnosis or treatment until the condition develops. It can be confused with acne or even as a sign of excessive drinking.
Rosacea develops differently in each individual, and the extent and severity of the symptoms can vary greatly. They usually appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Symptoms tend to include:
• Rosacea usually starts with an increasing tendency to blush, as the blood vessels in the skin dilate and remain dilated.
• Thread veins can become visible, increasing the redness of the skin.
• Small red spots and pustules can form on the skin, which can lead to the condition being confused with acne.
• In severe cases, the skin can thicken. The nose is commonly affected by this and can appear enlarged and misshapen.
• Sometimes the eyes can also be afflicted. This can result in burning or itching sensations in the eye, dryness, or the feeling of having something stuck in the eye.
Laser rosacea treatment can provide effective relief from some of the above symptoms, particularly in terms of redness reduction and thread vein removal.
