Rosacea is a common but little-known disorder, increasingly affecting those aged 30-50 years. It can be controlled, managed and improved with proper treatment methods, however there is no specific or long term cure. The first step in determining what treatment will work is to understand this skin condition and outbreak triggers. Avoid stress and heavy physical excercise, keep the skin well moisturised and avoid anything that dehydrates the skin or that raises core body temperature.

It is inflammation of the skin, resulting in facial redness, vasculation of blood vessels, swelling and papules. Symptoms can vary in intensity when exacerbated. Recent research has shown an increase of specific inflammatory cells, triggering a chain of chemical responses within the skin, including the release of certain enzymes (MMPs). These MMPs cause a decline in collagen and cause inflammatory damage, which results in what is called “acne rosacea”.

Other inflammatory mediators that further exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Rosacea sufferers have a reduced capacity to fight the effects of ROS. Additionally, sun exposure is known to induce the release of ROS which subsequently activates MMPs. The role of NO involves vascular changes and is partially responsible for the swelling and redness, worsening with increased sun exposure as an increase of NO has been linked with UVB rays.