How to rediscover your happy face

Skin conditions can really affect self-esteem. Rosie Green has solutions to the most common

PERIORAL DERMATITIS

What is it? A skin condition that often presents around the mouth or lower face.

Looks like? Persistent redness, rash-like small bumps and/or pustules. Skin is often dry, flaky and scaly with a fungal look. What’s the cause? Hormones and steroid use, both in cream and tablet form, play a part. Harsh skincare can trigger episodes.

Sometimes mistaken for?

Acne, eczema, dry skin, rosacea. Worst thing you can do? Use steroid creams (often prescribed when PD is misdiagnosed as another skin condition) or rich face creams.

Best over-the-counter products?

A very gentle cleanser (try Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser,

€16, boots.ie) to allow the skin to recalibrate.

Best prescribed treatments?

Oral antibiotic tetracycline, topical antibiotic metronidazole and/or azelaic acid-based cream Finacea to reduce inflammation and unclog pores.

ROSACEA

What is it? An inflammatory chronic skin condition that often affects fair skins. Can be triggered by sun, exercise, heat, alcohol, caffeine or some beauty products.

Looks like? Flushed, broken red veins sometimes progressing to red, irritated bumps on the cheeks. Can lead to thickened skin on the nose and dry, sore eyes.

What’s the cause? Sufferers often have a genetic predisposition, but research indicates rosacea can be triggered by an overgrowth of microscopic demodex mites on the skin.

Sometimes mistaken for?

Perioral dermatitis, sunburn, acne, dry skin, sensitivity.

Worst thing you can do? Use rich creams that ‘feed’ the problem, or harsh products, which can sensitise the skin.

Best over-the-counter products?

Use a gentle foaming cleanser (such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, €17, mcauley.ie). Intense pulsed light (IPL) laser is effective at reducing redness.

Best prescribed treatments?

Depending on severity, an oral antibiotic, then a topical cream/ gel such as metronidazole. Ivermectin is used to target the mites. Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and unclogs pores.

ADULT ACNE

What is it? A chronic condition that is caused by excess oil from sebaceous glands getting trapped in the pores, leading to inflammation.

Looks like? Blackheads and pus-filled spots and/or deeper, tender-to-touch cysts.

What’s the cause? Genetics plus a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome will increase your chances of suffering. Hormone fluctuations are a trigger, as is a high GI diet.

Sometimes mistaken for?

Rosacea – though rosacea spots are rarely whiteheads.

Worst thing you can do? Picking, plus overzealous cleansing can aggravate. Very hot or cold water is best avoided.

Best over-the-counter products? Try a salicylic acid-based product like Creightons Salicylic Acid Foaming Clay Cleanser €4.60 amazon.co.uk). Look for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, sulphur and azelaic acid.

Best prescribed treatments?

Oral antibiotics tetracycline or erythromycin can help, as can Tretinoin cream/gel applied to the skin. Roaccutane is prescribed for more severe cases.

TO FIND HELP

Try online prescription skincare services such as Klira, Dermatica or Skin + Me.