Rosacea treatment, prescription care for persistent redness and flushing

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face — most often the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. It causes persistent redness or flushing that comes and goes, and can progress over time to include visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia), a bumpy texture, and in some subtypes small papules or pustules that resemble acne. It can also affect the eyes in a form called ocular rosacea.

It most commonly develops in adults between 30 and 60, and tends to be more noticeable in people with fair skin — though it affects all skin tones. Rosacea is a long-term condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatment and trigger avoidance.

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it likely involves a combination of genetic predisposition, abnormal blood vessel responses, skin microbiome factors and an overactive immune response. Common triggers that worsen symptoms include alcohol, hot drinks, spicy food, sun exposure, extremes of temperature, exercise, emotional stress and certain skincare products. Identifying and managing your personal triggers is an important part of long-term rosacea management.

How is rosacea treated?

Treatment depends on which features of rosacea are most prominent. For the inflammatory papule and pustule subtype, topical prescription preparations applied to the affected skin significantly reduce breakouts and redness. For persistent background redness, there are topical preparations that work by temporarily constricting blood vessels. For more widespread or papulopustular rosacea, a course of oral antibiotic-class medication is often used alongside topical treatment to reduce inflammation from within.

Specific medicines, strengths and whether a topical, oral or combined approach is right for you are confirmed by the prescriber inside the consultation — we do not list names on this public page. Sunscreen and a gentle, fragrance-free skincare routine are also an important part of management whatever treatment is prescribed.

Treating rosacea with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. Our online consultation gives a UK prescriber what they need to assess your rosacea and recommend the right prescription approach. Treatment is dispensed and delivered the next working day in plain packaging, or you can collect from our Stratford branch. If you are unsure whether your skin redness is rosacea or another condition, our online skin diagnosis service can help before you proceed to treatment.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP or an eye clinic if rosacea is affecting your eyes. Also see your GP if your rosacea is very widespread or severe, has not responded to prescription treatment, or if rhinophyma (thickening of the nose tissue) is developing — these presentations often need specialist referral. If you are pregnant or have significant other health conditions, please consult your GP before starting prescription treatment. If we cannot safely manage your situation online, we will tell you clearly and signpost you to the right care.