Interview transcription:
We interviewed Dr Penelope Pratsou to learn about rosacea and what causes it.
What is rosacea and what causes it?
Penelope Pratsou: Rosacea is a type of skin inflammation which tends to affect people in their forties and middle age. We broadly divide rosacea into two main types: the first type is when you get pimples and pustules mainly on the lower half of your face, across the nose, the cheeks and the chin. Also, you can get a lot of redness, flushing or broken blood vessels in the same area. In addition, you can get dryness of the eyes, itching and problems with your nose such as itching and discomfort. There can be a bit of swelling, and some people can get this kind of bulbous nose caused by overactive oil glands.
Penelope Pratsou: The cause of rosacea can be due to a number of factors. It is something that can run in families, but there is also a lot of inflammation that goes on in the skin. For example, your blood vessels enlarge or dilate, which can lead to that redness and flushing that I was talking about. Then you’ve got little bugs that sit on the skin called Demodex mites. These can be found in abundance on people’s skin with rosacea, and whether that’s cause and effect, we don’t quite know.
Is it possible to prevent rosacea?
If you notice that you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou. She’ll be able to assess your condition and give you a personalised treatment plan.
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.
