Rosacea and facial redness treatment aims to control chronic facial redness, dilated capillaries, inflammatory breakouts and skin sensitivity. At Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius, a dermatovenereologist assesses the condition of the facial skin, identifies possible causes of the redness and chooses individual treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, topical or systemic medicines, skincare advice and laser procedures may be used.
The type of disease, the severity of symptoms and possible triggers of flare-ups are assessed.
Procedures for vascular changes are chosen according to the indications.
Products are recommended that help reduce irritation and maintain the skin’s protective barrier.
The condition of the skin is monitored, treatment results are assessed and the plan is adjusted.
When should you see a doctor about rosacea or facial redness?
- Persistent facial redness. Redness remains on the cheeks, nose, forehead or chin.
- Sudden episodes of flushing. The face flushes in response to heat, changes in temperature or other factors.
- Visible capillaries. Small superficial blood vessels become visible on the face.
- Inflammatory breakouts. Spot-like breakouts appear together with the redness.
- Burning and stinging. The skin reacts sensitively to cosmetic products, wind or temperature.
- Dry skin. The skin feels tight, flakes or becomes more sensitive.
- Recurring flare-ups. Symptoms ease and then get worse again.
- Eye symptoms. Along with facial changes, the eyes are red, dry or irritated.
Not all facial redness is rosacea. Contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne and other conditions can look similar.
Which conditions does a dermatologist diagnose and treat?
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This form of the disease is characterised by persistent or recurring facial redness, often with a feeling of heat and skin sensitivity.
Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, reducing irritation and recognising individual triggers.
Papulopustular rosacea
It appears as inflammatory, spot-like breakouts on reddened facial skin.
Unlike common acne, rosacea does not usually involve comedones.
Topical or systemic medicines may be prescribed.
Dilated facial capillaries
Telangiectasias are visible small blood vessels, most often on the cheeks and nose.
Vascular laser procedures may be used to reduce them.
Ocular rosacea
Rosacea sometimes affects the eyes and eyelids.
It can cause dry eyes, redness, a feeling of something in the eye or inflammation of the eyelids.
If you have eye pain, sensitivity to light or worsening vision, you need to be seen urgently by an eye doctor.
Other causes of facial redness
Redness can be caused by skin inflammation, allergic reactions, sun exposure, certain medicines and other conditions.
That is why it is important to establish the likely cause of the redness before laser procedures.
How is rosacea treated?
The doctor examines the facial skin, determines the nature of the redness and assesses any inflammatory breakouts.
The doctor looks at what makes the symptoms worse, which skincare products you use and what treatment you have had before.
Medicines, skincare and, where suitable, vascular laser procedures are discussed.
The reduction in symptoms and the need for further disease control are assessed.
Treatment methods for rosacea and facial redness
Topical medical treatment
For inflammatory rosacea, topical products may be prescribed, such as azelaic acid, metronidazole or ivermectin.
The choice of medicine depends on the predominant symptoms and individual tolerance.
Systemic treatment
Some moderate or more severe forms of rosacea may require oral treatment.
The dermatologist decides whether it is needed and for how long.
Vascular laser procedures
A laser can be used to reduce visible superficial capillaries and certain vascular components of redness.
The number of procedures depends on the extent of the changes, the characteristics of the blood vessels and how the skin responds.
Skincare
Gentle, non-irritating skincare products, moisturising and daily protection from ultraviolet rays are recommended.
Harsh scrubs, heavily fragranced products and active ingredients used incorrectly can make symptoms worse.
Are tests needed?
Rosacea is usually diagnosed clinically, based on its typical features.
Further tests may be recommended if the symptoms are unusual, another disease is suspected or conditions that look similar need to be ruled out.
There is no universal blood test that confirms rosacea.
How to prepare for the consultation
- Come without make-up or be ready to remove it.
- Write down which factors make your facial redness worse.
- Prepare a list of the skincare products and medicines you use.
- If the redness comes in episodes, have photos of it.
- Tell the doctor about dry eyes, redness or other eye symptoms.
- If laser treatment is planned, follow the preparation instructions given by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can rosacea be cured completely?
Rosacea is a chronic disease. Treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce flare-ups and improve the condition of the skin, but the disease may come back.
Is rosacea contagious?
No. Rosacea is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.
Are rosacea and acne the same thing?
No. Both diseases can cause inflammatory breakouts, but their mechanisms and treatment approaches differ.
Can a laser get rid of facial redness completely?
Laser procedures can reduce certain vascular changes, but they do not guarantee that redness will disappear completely or permanently.
How many laser procedures are needed to remove capillaries?
The number of procedures depends on the size, depth and extent of the blood vessels and your individual response to treatment.
Can capillaries come back?
Yes. Even after visible capillaries have been removed successfully, new ones may appear over time.
Is rosacea caused by alcohol?
In some people alcohol can make redness worse, but it is not the only or universal cause of rosacea.
Does food affect rosacea?
In some patients, hot drinks, spicy food or other individual factors can make symptoms worse. Strict dietary restrictions for everyone are not needed.
Can I use retinol if I have rosacea?
Some active cosmetic ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Their use should be discussed individually with a dermatologist.
Can rosacea affect the eyes?
Yes. Ocular rosacea can cause inflammation of the eyelids and the surface of the eye. If eye symptoms appear, it is important to tell your doctor.
Can sun exposure make rosacea worse?
Yes. Ultraviolet rays and heat are common factors that make symptoms worse.
Do I need a referral for a consultation?
No, you do not need a referral for a paid dermatovenereologist consultation.
Price of rosacea and facial redness treatment
The price of treatment depends on the dermatovenereologist consultation, the medicines prescribed and the procedures chosen. Laser and other services provided at the clinic are charged according to the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.