Rosacea Dermatologist2020-06-12T15:05:54+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

Rosacea causes pimples and pustules, facial redness and flushing in people in their 30s, 40s and beyond

IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN ROSACEA SYMPTOMS, ROSACEA CAUSES AND ROSACEA TREATMENT

In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most people who have rosacea. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your rosacea.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

How does rosacea impact people on a day-by-day basis?

ROSACEA CAN MAKE YOU FEEL SOCIAL AWKWARD, CAUSE EMBARRASSMENT AND LEAD YOU TO AVOID SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Should you really be getting spots as an adult?

Rosacea results in red bumps (papules) and pustules, particularly on the lower half of the face. You may have redness, and small broken vessels/ thread veins, particularly on the nose and cheeks. In some cases, you may get rhinophyma, which is a large, bulbous nose. You may also have sensitive skin, feeling itching, soreness, and a burning sensation. Your eyes and nose may also get itchy and runny.

Many rosacea sufferers feel like they should be over this

You may wonder: “Should I still be getting spots?” You may feel socially awkward. Flushing – a common symptom – can be unpredictable and can result in embarrassment and social avoidance.

Rosacea is an added hassle you can do without

As you go about your busy life, your rosacea can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. From professional interactions in the day to social interactions at night, your mind is rarely off your skin – and how it influences how others perceive you.

We can’t deny that appearances matter

We live in a world where others judge us on our appearance. Fundamental to that perception is the state of our skin. You might feel you’re not taken as seriously as you’d like to be taken. You might feel like your skin makes you less desirable.

Does it have to be this way?

While rosacea can be a chronic problem, help is at hand to help calm flare-ups and make it more manageable. I can help you avoid rosacea triggers to help you regain control of your skin and get your life back.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about rosacea

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Rosacea is a common skin condition that mainly affects people in their 30s and 40s, as well as the middle-aged. It can result in pimples and pustules, facial redness, flushing, and an enlarged nose (rhinophyma).

Blood vessel abnormalities

Many studies suggest that blood vessel abnormalities cause rosacea. This link could explain problems with redness, thread veins and flushing.

Demodex mites

Harmless Demodex mites typically sit on most people’s skin. We find large quantities of these mites on the skin of people with rosacea, which suggests they play a role in the condition.

Genetics

Rosacea runs in families.

Triggers

Sun exposure can aggravate rosacea. There can be other triggers, such as:

  • alcohol (red wine)
  • spicy foods
  • caffeine
  • heat or cold (weather extremes)
  • stress.

These can trigger a release of skin peptides that result in a flare-up of the condition.

I take a detailed history and examination to distinguish rosacea from other conditions leading to facial redness. I then determine which treatments might suit you to address the particular issues you have (for example, redness, flushing or inflammatory spots and pustules).

Unfortunately, rosacea is a chronic problem which is sometimes more troublesome than other times. I base your treatment plan on helping you regain control of the condition and therefore your life.

I can successfully use many topical treatments to address inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules). These topical treatments include:

  • Metronidazole gel
  • Azelaic acid gel and
  • More recently, Ivermectin (Soolantra) cream

I can use these treatments on their own or in combination with courses of oral antibiotics.

Oral antibiotics can be beneficial as I can prescribe them for their anti-inflammatory effects.

In some cases, you may require a low dose of Roaccutane (isotretinoin) therapy to address resistant or severe rosacea.

I can address redness in many ways. Mirvaso (Brimonidine) gel is a very effective topical treatment for redness. In certain situations, I might also recommend laser or IPL treatment.

Are antibiotics safe in the long run?

Yes, the type and dose of antibiotics used is safe as long as I have appropriately assessed you and have found no contraindications.

Do I have an infection that needs to be treated?

Rosacea is thought to occur due to inflammation and not an infection. I, therefore, use antibiotics due to their anti-inflammatory rather than antibacterial properties.

Can you cure my rosacea?

Unfortunately, rosacea is a chronic (persistent) condition. However, careful medical management and lifestyle advice on how to avoid rosacea triggers can ensure that you regain control of your skin and get your life back.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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