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Rosacea

Facial redness, flushing, and bumps. A common, controllable skin condition.

Speak to a GP about rosaceaFrom £79

In short

Rosacea is a common facial skin condition that's very manageable. Topical or oral treatments combined with trigger avoidance and daily sun protection keep it well controlled for most people.

Overview

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term condition affecting the central face, causing redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps and pus-filled spots. It often starts in adulthood and can be triggered by sun, heat, alcohol, and stress. It can also affect the eyes. It isn't curable but responds well to treatment and trigger management.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin
  • Flushing or blushing easily
  • Small red bumps or pus-filled spots
  • Visible small blood vessels
  • Burning or stinging of the skin
  • Eye irritation (ocular rosacea) in some people

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have persistent facial redness or bumps, over-the-counter products aren't helping, or your eyes are irritated. Seek assessment for eye pain or vision changes.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision with rosacea (possible ocular involvement, needs assessment)
  • A rapidly worsening facial rash with swelling or feeling unwell

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Assessment of the type and severity of rosacea
  • Advice on identifying and avoiding triggers (sun, heat, alcohol, spicy food, stress)
  • Prescription of topical treatments (e.g. metronidazole, ivermectin, azelaic acid)
  • Oral antibiotics (e.g. lymecycline) for inflammatory rosacea where appropriate
  • Advice on gentle skincare and daily sun protection
  • Referral to dermatology for resistant cases or for laser treatment of redness

What we don't do

  • Laser or light treatment for redness and visible vessels (dermatology/private clinics)
  • Surgical treatment of thickened skin (rhinophyma) (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about rosacea starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about rosacea

Can rosacea be cured?
There's no permanent cure, but rosacea is very controllable. Treatment plus trigger management keeps most people's skin calm and clear.
What makes rosacea worse?
Common triggers are sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, exercise, and stress. Daily SPF and avoiding your triggers make a big difference.
Is it the same as acne?
No, though they can look similar. Rosacea doesn't cause blackheads and centres on facial redness and flushing. The treatments overlap but aren't identical.
Can it affect my eyes?
Yes. Ocular rosacea causes gritty, irritated eyes. If your eyes are affected, mention it, as it needs specific treatment.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about rosacea?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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