Rosacea

Overview

Rosacea is more than just facial redness — it’s a long-term skin condition that can leave you feeling self-conscious, uncomfortable, and frustrated. Flare-ups often appear without warning, causing burning sensations, visible veins, or acne-like bumps that don’t always respond to over-the-counter skincare. For many people, this daily battle can take a real toll on confidence.

But here’s the good news: rosacea can be managed. With the right combination of prescription treatments and lifestyle adjustments, flare-ups can be reduced, redness eased, and skin comfort restored. Many people find that once they discover the right approach, their skin becomes far more predictable — and their quality of life improves dramatically.

At SwiftMedi, our UK-registered prescribers can recommend effective rosacea treatments following a secure online consultation. From topical creams to oral medications, we’re here to help you find a routine that works for your skin and helps you feel like yourself again.

Symptoms

Rosacea symptoms can vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Persistent facial redness, often on the cheeks or nose
• Flushing (sudden, intense blushing or warmth)
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
• Red bumps or pustules that may resemble acne
• Burning or stinging sensations on the skin
• Thickened skin (in severe cases, usually on the nose — rhinophyma)
• Eye symptoms (ocular rosacea), such as dryness, irritation, or swollen eyelids

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical assessment by a GP or dermatologist. There are no specific tests, but a doctor may rule out other conditions (such as acne or lupus) that can mimic rosacea. Patients often notice a pattern of flare-ups linked to certain triggers, which can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments

There is no cure for rosacea, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and skincare adjustments.

Medical treatments:

• Topical creams or gels (e.g. metronidazole gel, azelaic acid, ivermectin cream) — reduce redness and inflammation
• Oral antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline, lymecycline) — used for more severe or persistent rosacea with bumps or pustules
• Laser or light therapy — can reduce visible blood vessels and redness

Lifestyle measures:

• Avoiding known triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures
• Using gentle, non-irritating skincare and high-SPF sun protection daily
• Stress management techniques

SwiftMedi can provide prescription rosacea treatments online, following assessment by a prescriber.

Prevention

While rosacea cannot be prevented, flare-ups can often be minimised by:

• Identifying and avoiding personal triggers
• Protecting skin from sun exposure with SPF 30+ daily
• Avoiding harsh skincare products or exfoliants
• Managing stress levels and ensuring regular sleep
• Limiting alcohol and spicy foods

Misconceptions

“Rosacea is just adult acne.” 

False. While it may look similar, rosacea is a distinct condition with different causes.

“Only fair-skinned people get rosacea.” 

False. It can affect all skin types, though redness may be less visible on darker skin tones.

“Rosacea means you drink too much.”

False. Alcohol can be a trigger, but rosacea is not caused by drinking.

“There’s nothing you can do about rosacea.”

False. While incurable, treatments and lifestyle changes can greatly reduce symptoms.

FAQ

What triggers rosacea flare-ups?
Common triggers include heat, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, sun exposure, and skincare irritants.

Is rosacea the same as acne?
No. Rosacea can cause spots, but it also involves redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.

Can rosacea be cured permanently?
No — but treatments can keep it under control and reduce flare-ups.

What’s the best cream for rosacea?
Prescription options like metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin are commonly used and can be supplied via SwiftMedi if appropriate.

Can I use makeup with rosacea?
Yes, but choose gentle, fragrance-free products, and always remove makeup carefully to avoid irritation.

Does rosacea get worse with age?
Not always, but if left untreated, symptoms can become more persistent or severe.