Rosacea can affect women in their mid-thirties.

Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population and all skin types, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disorder is more frequently diagnosed in women, but tends to be more severe in men. There is also evidence that rosacea may tend to run in families, and may be especially prevalent in people of northern or eastern European descent.

What causes rosacea?

Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, various theories about the disorder’s origin have evolved over the years. These have often related to its primary outward signs and symptoms: flushing and redness, bumps and pimples, and the small visible blood vessels called telangiectasia. The range of possible causes has included defects in the immune system, nervous system and facial blood vessels, and the presence of microbes and Demodex mites. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that a susceptibility to developing the disorder may be inherited, and genetic studies are now underway.

Microscopic Demodex mites are a natural part of the human microbiome — the ecological community of microorganisms that live within and on the body. Two species of Demodex are found in humans. Demodex folliculorum live in hair follicles, primarily on the face, as well as in the meibomian glands of the eyelids; Demodex brevislive in the sebaceous glands of the skin.

While Demodex folliculorum are found on the skin of all humans, they frequently occur in greater numbers in those with rosacea. There has been much debate as to whether their increased numbers are a cause or result of rosacea. However, evidence appears to be mounting that an overabundance of Demodex may possibly trigger an immune response in people with rosacea, or that the inflammation may be caused by certain bacteria associated with the mites.

Rosacea can exacerbate causing inflamed spots.

How do we treat rosacea?

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we treat rosacea with prescription only medications and phototherapy.

1. Oral medication is prescribed to reduce the inflammation in the skin.
2. Topical medication is prescribed to keep the Demodex folliculorum mite off of the face at night. We no longer recommend topical antibiotic creams such like Metronidazole Gel, as rosacea is not a bacterial infection.
3. In severe or resistant cases, stronger oral and topical medication is required.
4. Rosacea Phototherapy can be a useful adjunct to medical treatment as it reduces the inflammatory lesions.
5. Lasers can be used to reduce the appearance of telangectasias (dilated blood vessels) and thickening of the skin.

Click here to read what our patients are currently saying about Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Can the weather affect rosacea?

Sun exposure, hot weather, humidity, cold and wind have all been known to aggravate rosacea for many individuals. The following are defense strategies you can use:

• Always protect your face from the sun. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF (sun-protection factor) of 15 or higher year round. If necessary, use a formulation developed for children to avoid irritation. Wear a broad-brimmed hat. Minimize midday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) exposure to the sun during summer months.
• Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment on hot, humid days. If this is impossible, those affected should sip cold drinks and try not to overexert themselves. If necessary, chew on ice chips to lower facial temperature or spray the face with cool water.
• Combat cold by covering your cheeks and nose with a scarf. In winter, rosacea sufferers also may don a ski mask when participating in outdoor sports or activities, as well as cover up on windy days. If these conditions aggravate your rosacea, limiting your time outdoors in cold weather may also help.
• Use a moisturizer daily during cold weather. This protects against the naturally drying effects of cold and wind.

Can stress aggravate rosacea?

Stress ranks high on the list of tripwires for many rosacea sufferers. However, in a survey of rosacea patients affected by stress, most of those using stress management techniques said they had successfully reduced their flare-ups. When feeling overwhelmed, try some of the following stress reducers:

Men can get rosacea too and it can get worse very quickly in men

• Take care of your whole self. Eat healthy, exercise moderately and get the right amount of sleep. It may also help to cut down on caffeine.
• When under stress, try deep-breathing exercises. Inhale and count to 10, then exhale and count to 10. Repeat this exercise several times.
• Use visualization techniques. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and visualize a beautiful vacation spot or favourite pleasurable activity or painting to reduce stress. Hold the image for several minutes to feel its peacefulness and beauty.
• Stretch out and relax all your muscles. Relax muscles starting at the top of the head and work down to the toes for a whole-body stress reliever.

Can foods and beverages affect rosacea?

Steaming hot soup or coffee, spicy nachos, a glass of wine — no matter how appetizing they sound, these foods and beverages may be a problem for some rosacea sufferers. Hot liquids may cause flushing. Spicy foods like oriental mustard sauce or salsa can raise a sweat, and alcoholic beverages may trigger flare-ups in many cases. These tips will help you select rosacea-friendly meals:

• Monitor how your rosacea reacts to alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages often induce flare-ups in rosacea sufferers. If alcohol aggravates your condition, reduce your intake or avoid alcohol entirely.
• Avoid “hot” spices such as white and black pepper, paprika, red pepper and cayenne, which are common rosacea tripwires.

Can exercise make my rosacea worse?

While exercise may be part of a healthy lifestyle, it could actually be harmful to rosacea sufferers if it causes their condition to flare up. Moderation is the key. And even then, take these precautions:

• Avoid heavy exertion or high-intensity workouts that cause overheating and bring on flushing. Replace them with low-intensity exercise routines, which often can be just as effective.
• Try exercising for shorter, more frequent intervals. For instance, exercise for 15 minutes three times a day, rather than exercising all at once.
• When exercising outdoors during warm weather, choose early morning or early evening hours when it’s cooler. No matter what time of day, protect your face from the sun and avoid hot weather exercise.
• When exercising indoors, make sure the room is well ventilated. Run a fan, open the window for a breeze or turn on the air conditioning to avoid overheating.
• Try to stay as cool as possible when exercising. Drape a cool, damp towel around your neck, drink cold fluids or chew on ice chips. You can also keep a bottle filled with cool water to spray your face.

Bathing and cleansing can also cause flare-ups

Rosacea sufferers often must modify their approach to cleansing and bathing. The following tips can help you adopt a personal-care routine that soothes and calms your facial redness:

• Avoid hot water, hot tubs and saunas. These can bring on flushing and aggravate your condition.
• Begin each day with a thorough and gentle facial cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser that is not grainy or abrasive and spread it with your fingertips. Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove all dirt and soap, and use a thick cotton towel to gently blot the face dry.
• Never pull, tug, scratch or treat your face harshly. Avoid any rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes or sponges.
• Let your face thoroughly air dry before applying any medication or skin-care products. Let your face rest for a few minutes before applying topical medication. Then allow the medication to dry completely for five to 10 minutes before applying any moisturizer or makeup.
• Men should use an electric shaver rather than a blade. If a blade is preferred, never use a dull blade that requires extra scraping for a clean shave. Avoid shaving lotions that burn or sting.
• Repeat the cleansing process at night. Gently cleanse your face each night to remove any makeup or dirt accumulated throughout the day. Air dry and apply your topical medication.

Choose your skin-care products carefully

Rosacea sufferers can use a variety of skin-care products to their advantage. Moisturizers can reduce flakiness and makeups can camouflage symptoms and improve appearance. You may have to experiment until you find the products that work best for your individual condition. Here are some general guidelines that will help you select products carefully:

• Steer clear of ingredients that sting, burn or cause facial redness. Some ingredients to avoid include alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil or clove oil.
• Select fragrance-free products. If you must choose a product that contains a fragrance, be sure that it appears at the end of the list of ingredients. The further down it appears, the less fragrance the product contains.
• Use makeup to hide blemishes and cover redness. Spot application of makeup may be used to cover blemishes and visible blood vessels, and green-tinted foundations are available at most cosmetic counters to mask general redness. They can be followed by a skin-tone foundation. Avoid powders, which can make dry flaky skin look worse.

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Whether you are concerned about a suspicious mole, or keen to keep a close eye on all your skin changes, our Nurse Consultant in Dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex can provide you with the reassurance that you will receive the correct diagnosis in a timely fashion. Appointments for skin cancer screening or mole checks can normally be booked within a few days. For the small number of patients diagnosed with skin cancer, a proactive approach is more likely to lead to less treatment and an improved cosmetic and overall outcome.

Skin Cancer Screening is more than just checking moles with a naked eye

When should I get my moles checked?

If a mole has changed recently, or it has suspicious features, your GP will arrange referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has a special interest in skin cancer. This service is available in the NHS, although waiting times to be seen in a clinic can be many weeks, or privately if you have medical insurance or want to pay for treatment. Mole removal is advised if you have noticed a mole that:

• Has increased in size
• Has changed in colour
• Is over 7mm in size
• Has an irregular shape
• Has an irregular colour
• Is inflamed or oozing

Although the majority of moles that present with these clinical signs will not be cancerous, a small proportion will contain malignant cells and may require further treatment following initial mole removal. Black or dark brown moles may be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer that can result in patient mortality. If you have noticed any of the above features you should consider seeking medical advice.

Skin Cancer Screening

This service is for anyone with concerns about new or growing moles. This involves a detailed examination of your moles, and a complete skin examination, to give you peace of mind and ensure early detection of any problems.

Skin lesions being checked using a special piece of equipment called a dermatoscope

One-Stop Mole Removal

This fast-track service is for anyone that wants a mole removing because it is suspicious of cancer or they feel it is unsightly. You can book an appointment at our Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. Moles removed within the clinic will be sent to a pathologist for interpretation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can book your skin cancer screening appointment by going to our online booking form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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It’s all about the eyes.

Under eye dark circles and crepey dehydrated eyelid  skin

Some patients presenting with dark circles or a loss of volume in the area below the eye have thin, sun damaged eyelid skin, rather than a deep volume loss. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic, we often recommend a course of Eye Booster Treatments, to hydra rejuvenate the thin eyelid skin, which pumps the lower eyelid to improve the apparent ‘tear trough’. An eye booster treatment helps to rejuvenate the thin lower eyelid skin, which can worsen the illusion of under-eye shadows.

Tear Trough Fillers. What to expect….

The tear trough is the area between your cheek and lower eyelid. As we age, we lose volume in this area, sometimes causing under-eye dark circles to appear. An effective tear trough treatment, performed by highly skilled doctors and nurses, can restore the lost volume, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

The injections are usually painless, after suitable topical anaesthesia for 15 minutes. When treating the skin under the eyes, tiny amounts of filler are injected using a very fine needle or cannula. It is normal for the eyes to look swollen and bruised for 3-7 following treatment, but we can recommend products that can cover this up and most people are able to resume their daily routine straight away. The full results of treatment can be seen over 1-4 weeks following treatment.

As the fillers we use are bio-degradable, the fillers will break down over time, which means that repeat treatments are normally required every 6-12 months.

Potential temporary side effects of our Eye Booster Treatment

• Bruising and redness of the skin at the site of the injection
• Swelling and Lumpiness
• Allergic reaction

Tear Trough Filler Cost

Prices are a guide, we will calculate your treatment during your consultation

• Eye Boost from £450

Why visit Elan Medical Skin Clinic for this procedure:

Our nurse consultant has almost 20 years’ experience of injecting skin fillers. Using advanced injection techniques, most clients report that treatments with Sue Ibrahim are quick, painless and produce instant results. As an expert in her field, Sue will carefully consider your facial structure and profile to naturally enhance your appearance. Read what our clients are currently saying about their treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic

If you would like to ask our Medical Director & Nurse Consultant, Sue Ibrahim a message, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

How do I request a consultation?

You can either give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book and pay for your consultations via our online store. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a medical procedure in which injectable fillers, most commonly hyaluronic acid, are used to alter and shape a person’s nose without invasive surgery. It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to the traditional rhinoplasty and is sometimes referred to as the ‘3o minute nose job’.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic facial procedures, but many patients are worried about they may look after surgery. As a new alternative to nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty), small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the nose to straighten and soften sharp angles, fill depressions, or change the shape of the tip of the nose to give it a lifted appearance. This quick technique results in better symmetry and more defined nose contours.

If it is the shape of your nose, rather than its size, that is causing concern then a non-surgical rhinoplasty is an excellent, affordable option for those who want to change the shape of their nose without invasive surgery, as there is no excessive downtime, no general anaesthetic and no prolonged healing. The patient retains complete control over the procedure, as they are able to see the results unfold as the injections are administered.

This procedure is less expensive than a surgical nose job (rhinoplasty) and can be reversed via hyalase injections should the result not be in line with expectations. Unlike a surgical rhinoplasty, the non-surgical results are immediate and can last up to a year.

The following conditions are easily treated with a non-surgical rhinoplasty:

• Bumps or deformities on the bridge of the nose
• A nose that is not symmetrical.
• A nose bends to one side or is out of shape.
• A flat nose with no shape.

It is normal practice to do the treatment over 2-3 sessions, to gradually add the filler, so as not to cause build up of excessive pressure. The procedure is extremely safe but you may experience a small amount of bruising or swelling, and some redness at the needle entry points.

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Have you ever had Botox? Who treated you? Would you recommend them?

Do lip fillers hurt? How to choose the best filler?

Do you think I need cosmetic surgery?

Facebook chat group discussing cosmetic treatments.

The group is moderated by our team of skin experts at Elan Medical Skin Clinic, but it is your group. We are just there to ensure all posts are genuine and not offensive. We do not allow advertising in our group but you can certainly tell people where not to go for a cosmetic treatment if you feel that you were treated badly or if you feel that you had wasted your money.

Cosmetic treatments can be expensive, they can also be extremely cheap. We believe that you shouldn’t merely choose a cosmetic practitioner based on price. Choose a cosmetic clinic based on the experience of others, check out reviews and don’t forget to ask the right questions?

Is this practitioner a Cosmetic Doctor, a Surgeon or a Nurse?

Is this a registered medical clinic? If so, who is the clinic registered with?

Will I be offered a free follow-up appointment?

And most of all, does has this practitioner demonstrated that they are competent to carry out the procedure I am about to have? If something doesn’t feel right then do not go ahead with treatment on the same day as your consultation. Do more homework.

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As we get older, the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) that we all naturally have in our bodies decrease. Our skin looks drier, loses its firmness and its youthful glow, resulting in what skincare specialists call ‘skin laxity’. Profhilo has been voted ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ in 2016 and ‘Best Skin Enhancement Device’ in 2015 within the aesthetics industry.

Profhilo is a bio-remodelling and stimulatory product which works to remodel your skin. Although based on hyaluronic acid technology, it is not a volumising dermal filler. Profhilo uses their proprietary HydroLift® Action (bioregenerating effect in the epidermis & the remodelling action of the dermis) by integrating the levels of endogenous hyaluronic acid and it is able to optimise the HydroLift® Action thanks to a slow, long lasting release of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

As a stabilised product Profhilo lasts in the skin around 28 days. During this time the stimulation of 4 different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of HA, at the same time it improves skin tone, texture, hydration and radiance. Profhilo counteracts skin laxity through a remodelling action of collagen and elastin fibres. It creates volume in the tissue where it is needed due to its high spreadability Therefore we cannot say that Profhilo is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening / lifting effect on the tissue.

Profhilo Bio-remodelling treatment at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex

The product, once injected integrates within the tissue to:

• increase firmness and elasticity
• increase facial fullness with a tightening and lifting effect

In studies on Profhilo the following results have been obtained:

• After 4 weeks from treatment – improvement in lines & tightness of the skin
• After 8 weeks from treatment – definite lifting and tightening of the skin, more hydrated, in better health, increased firmness & elasticity

Why Choose Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Profhilo is registered as a medical device and as such, it should only ever be administered in a clinical environment by experienced medical practitioners. It should not be injected by beauty therapists or those claiming to be medical aestheticians.

Sue Ibrahim has over 30 years experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She opened Elan Medical Skin Clinic 20 years ago and has many years experience in injectable facial fillers. Take a look at what our patients are currently saying about us: Read our Reviews

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Sue Ibrahim, our skin expert at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex

Sue, our nurse consultant in dermatology says there are newly licensed prescription creams to manage rosacea although they are not widely available on an NHS prescription due to the ongoing expense incurred. But Sue can prescribe them, if required and our rosacea phototherapy comes in handy for flare-ups.

“We are really proud of our DermaCalm treatment programmes for rosacea that can help dramatically improve the self-esteem of our patients who suffer from it. If rosacea can be successfully managed in the early stages, it will help prevent the condition from progressing and prevent the thickening of the skin and scarring that advanced rosacea can cause,” Sue added.

The mites live in our skin pores

Kevin Kavanagh of the National University of Ireland, explains that the: “Tiny mites – eight-legged arachnids related to spiders – live in the pores of our facial skin. They are particularly fond of the hair follicles of eyebrows and eyelashes, and the oily pores most common on the nose, forehead and cheeks.

”Healthy adults have around one or two mites per square centimetre of facial skin. People with rosacea, however, can have 10 times as many.”

The mites eat sebum, the oil on our skin, and research suggests that the stress that causes flare-ups of rosacea changes the chemicals in sebum, making it better food for mites.

According to dermatology literature, Demodex mites usually do not result in any dermatological problems, but when the parasites penetrate the dermis (layers of the skin), they can cause acne, rosacea, and folliculitis.

What to do if you have rosacea

Our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has more than 30 years’ experience in dermatology, making her the ideal choice for people with rosacea. She is an expert in skin conditions and her friendly and professional manner will instantly put you at ease. Please send Sue a message – we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation.

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Please share this news with your friends, family and colleagues – and we’ll keep on doing what we do: providing excellent customer service and exceptional quality medical skin solutions.

Click here to read our latest reviews.

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Dry hair and an itchy scalp? Ask our Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex for help.

There are all sorts of myths surrounding good hair care and in this blog Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s resident skin expert and nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim takes a look at what’s true and what’s not.

From rinsing and repeating when shampooing, using conditioner and intense conditioning cures for split ends, to what causes an itchy scalp, we are bombarded with advice. But how much of it should we pay any attention to?

Lather, rinse, repeat

We’ve all heard this advice and just about every bottle of shampoo used to recommend that this was the best way to wash our hair – many still do. However, the science just does not add up.

Shampoo, washing detergent and washing up liquid all work in the same way, as science experts explain:

“Surfactants surround and enclose a drop of oil or speck of dirt to form a sphere called a micelle. The micelles attach to the water to form an emulsion and the emulsified oil and dirt is carried away with the final rinse.”

At this stage, very little lather is created. That’s because lather forms when surfactants form micelles around air. So, once you’ve created lather, your hair is clean and free from oil and dirt. At this stage there is no science to back up the need for applying more shampoo, especially as excess surfactant may actually strip and damage our hair.

There is also no evidence to suggest that washing our hair everyday is necessary for most people either. When stripped of oil, our bodies produce more natural oil – to maintain a healthy pH level – so over-washing may exacerbate the problem of greasy hair.

But…

If you are someone who doesn’t wash their hair very often, uses loads of hair products or is exposed to high levels of pollution, it may be better to wash your hair twice to ensure it is clean and completely free from oil, dirt or pollutants. Use the lather tip above as a guide.

Do we need to use conditioner?

The answer to this question is a bit trickier and depends on why you are using conditioner in the first place. If it is because your scalp feels tight and itchy, then probably not.

Over the many years Sue has worked in dermatology one of the most common complaints she hears is “I have very sensitive skin”. When she asks which products they use to wash their face, body and hair with she tends to find there is a common ingredient that features in all of these products, one that is now widely accepted as common cause of skin irritation and dermatitis. This ingredient is called sodium laureth sulphate, commonly referred to as SLS or SLES.

What is SLS?

Sodium laureth sulphate or sodium laurel ether sulphate is a cheap detergent and surfactant that is widely used in a variety of skin care products. It is found in over 90% of shampoos, skin cleansers, shower gels, bubble baths and shaving creams. It is even found in baby skin care products and toothpastes.

To find out if you have an intolerance, buy a SLS-free shampoo and see how your scalp feels after a few weeks.

If you’re looking for silky soft hair, then conditioner does work. Here’s the science…

“Under the microscope, hair strands are flaky-looking. These “flakes” are dead skin cells overlapping to form a cuticle layer that protects the fragile inner layers of a hair strand. Light reflects off this cuticle layer, giving hair its natural shine. The average person has between 120,000-150,000 hair strands and they look their best when the overlying cuticle flakes lay tightly against one another. When hair begins to look frizzy or limp, it means the cuticle layer is being worn down and the overlapping cells are no longer lying snugly flat.”

Read our next blog for more skin and hair care myth debunking…

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Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s skin expert Sue Ibrahim.

With over 30 years experience as a dermatology nurse and twenty years experience working within the medical aesthetic industry, Sue Ibrahim is excited at the prospect of this new venture.

The new association, The British Association of Aesthetic Nurses, Doctors and Dentists (BAANDD) will offer a multi-disciplinary voice to the medical aesthetic industry.

Sue has been an active supporter of the Safetyinbeauty Campaign, formed in 2013 by Antonia Mariconda as a response to the growing dissatisfaction and devastation caused by dubious cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments, and was formed by a group of like-minded professionals and experts.

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