Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pustules, most commonly on the face. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, flare-ups can be triggered by factors such as stress, sun exposure, hot drinks, or certain foods.

Treatment can help reduce redness, calm inflammation, and manage flare-ups. We offer a range of clinician-approved topical and oral medications tailored to your symptoms, alongside advice on lifestyle measures that may help minimise triggers.

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Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that typically causes a rash in the central part of the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

Its severity can vary over time, with periods of flare-ups and remission. While there is currently no cure for rosacea, effective treatments are available to help manage and reduce symptoms. The condition was previously referred to as acne rosacea, although it is unrelated to acne.

Rosacea can affect anyone, but it is most commonly seen in people with fair skin, particularly those aged between 30 and 60. Although women are more frequently affected, men who develop rosacea often experience more severe symptoms.

At 123Meds, you can request Mirvaso by completing a short online consultation. You don’t need a prior prescription—once your assessment is reviewed and approved by our prescriber, a free prescription will be issued and sent to our pharmacy team for dispensing.

Just complete our online medical questionnaire, and one of our UK-registered clinicians will assess whether the treatment is suitable for you.

For more information about rosacea and treatment options, visit the NHS website. If you are new to any treatment, we recommend reading the Patient Information Leaflet, available at medicines.org.uk.

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Triggers that commonly lead to flare-ups include sun exposure, stress, hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, and extreme temperatures.

Some people with rosacea may have increased sensitivity in the blood vessels of the face, leading to redness and flushing. In others, microscopic skin mites (Demodex folliculorum) or an overactive immune response may contribute to inflammation.

While rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene or an infection, identifying and avoiding your personal triggers can help manage symptoms more effectively.

Facial redness, especially across the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead
Flushing or blushing that comes and goes
Visible small blood vessels (also known as telangiectasia)
Bumps or spots that may resemble acne
Dry, sensitive, or stinging skin
Thickening of the skin, particularly around the nose (more common in severe cases)
Eye irritation – red, dry, or watery eyes, known as ocular rosacea

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may worsen over time without treatment. Identifying and avoiding known triggers can help reduce flare-ups.

While rosacea can’t be cured, there are several effective treatments available to help manage and reduce symptoms. Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms and may include:

Topical Treatments

Applied directly to the skin to reduce redness and inflammation.

Brimonidine (Mirvaso) – helps reduce facial redness by narrowing blood vessels
Metronidazole gel/cream – an anti-inflammatory treatment for bumps and spots
Azelaic acid – helps reduce swelling and spots associated with rosacea
Ivermectin cream – effective for inflammatory rosacea with bumps and pustules

Oral Medications

Prescribed for more severe or persistent symptoms.

Antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline or tetracycline) – reduce inflammation and bacterial growth
Low-dose isotretinoin – used occasionally for severe cases under specialist supervision

Laser and Light Therapy

These treatments target visible blood vessels and persistent redness. They are usually offered privately through dermatology clinics and are not typically available on the NHS.

Lifestyle and Skincare

Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily
Identify and avoid known triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, extreme temperatures, or stress
Keep the skin moisturised and avoid harsh scrubbing

At 123Meds, you can access prescription rosacea treatments like Mirvaso Gel by completing a short online consultation. Our UK-registered clinicians will review your suitability and issue a prescription if appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes spots or thickened skin, primarily on the face. It tends to flare up and calm down over time and is most common in adults aged 30 to 60.
What causes rosacea?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but rosacea is thought to result from a combination of genetics, immune system factors, and environmental triggers such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, or stress.
Is rosacea contagious?
No, rosacea is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else or pass it on.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Rosacea symptoms can vary but often include persistent facial redness or flushing, visible blood vessels, and bumps or spots that may resemble acne. The skin is often dry, sensitive or may sting when certain products are applied. In some cases, rosacea can also affect the eyes, causing irritation (known as ocular rosacea), or lead to thickened skin around the nose.
Can rosacea be cured?
There is no permanent cure for rosacea, but treatment can effectively manage and reduce symptoms. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers also plays a key role in long-term control.
How is rosacea treated?
Rosacea treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Options may include topical medicines such as brimonidine (Mirvaso), metronidazole (Rozex) or azelaic acid (Skinoren or Finacea), which help reduce redness and inflammation. For more severe cases, oral antibiotics like doxycycline may be prescribed. Laser therapy can also be used to target visible blood vessels. Alongside medical treatment, gentle skincare and daily sun protection are important in managing rosacea and preventing flare-ups.
Is rosacea the same as acne?
No. Although rosacea can include spots and pimples, it is a separate condition from acne and requires different treatment. Using acne products may worsen rosacea.
Do I need a prescription for rosacea treatment?
Yes, many rosacea treatments such as Mirvaso or oral antibiotics require a prescription. At 123Meds, you can complete a quick online consultation to see if treatment is suitable for you.
Can rosacea affect the eyes?
Yes, some people develop ocular rosacea, which causes red, dry, or irritated eyes. If you have symptoms affecting your eyes, it’s best to speak with a GP or eye specialist.