Commonest in middle age, rosacea, or acne rosacea as it is sometimes called, is a chronic inflammation of the skin of the face that in its mild form can give the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance. As it progresses small blood vessels and pustules appear on or around the reddened area. In its more severe form rosacea can give rise to rhinophyma—enlargement of the sebaceous glands and connective tissue of the nose. Sunlight, spicey foods, alcohol and topical steroids can exacerbate the condition.

While it may persist for years, if diagnosed early and treated promptly, the condition usually responds well to treatment. Medication is an important first line of treatment, but increasingly IPL therapy is recognised as a potent way to lessen the facial redness associated with the disorder.