A light-based therapy used to treat skin cancer could offer hope for millions living with a skin condition.

Rosacea, which causes facial redness, flushing, spots and sensitivity to touch, has few treatments and often flares up repeatedly.

Now research suggests a procedure called photodynamic therapy (PDT) may hold promise in easing the inflammation in rosacea.

The process, which has been used by the NHS for many years to destroy skin cancer cells, combines certain wavelengths of light with a cream or gel known as a photosensitiser.

Sessions last around an hour. After the cream has been applied the patient sits under a red light. When the cream is activated by the light, it destroys inflamed skin cells, helping to reduce redness.

Rosacea is estimated to affect around three million people in the UK – predominantly those with fair skin – and most commonly appears in young adults. Although it’s unclear why it happens, an overactive or malfunctioning immune system may play a role.

Rosacea is estimated to affect around three million people in the UK – predominantly those with fair skin

Usually it starts with a tendency to blush easily. After a while, the central areas of the face become a permanent deeper shade of red, with small, dilated blood vessels, bumps, and pus-filled spots.

Occasionally, there may be some swelling of the facial skin, especially around the eyes.

While there is no cure for rosacea, treatments may help control symptoms. Currently the NHS offers prescription creams, antibiotics and other tablets as therapies.

Some studies show that while many patients see improvement, a substantial portion – between 12 per cent and 37 per cent – may not achieve complete remission, or experience a return of symptoms.

Some patients opt for a treatment called intense pulsed light, or IPL, which has up to a 90 per cent success rate in reducing redness and thread veins.

However this is not routinely offered on the NHS and costs between £100 and £250 per session. Numerous sessions may be needed before results are seen.

So there was excitement after research by Chinese dermatologists found that PDT was more effective than doxycycline, the antibiotic normally prescribed to treat rosacea, in reducing symptoms and stopping moderate to severe symptoms from returning within six months.

In February, a medical case report told of a 46-year-old man who had suffered rosacea for four years and had tried doxycycline and topical treatments. Just one session of PDT reduced his symptoms and he showed no recurrence in a nine-month follow-up.

This followed a 2022 review of nine studies which found that the therapy was effective, particularly for treating papulopustular rosacea – a form of the condition which causes pus-filled blemishes and resembles acne.

A number of private clinics have now started offering the treatment. It is also available widely in America and Canada.

‘Rosacea treatment can feel like a lottery,’ says Dr Aleksandar Godic, a London-based dermatologist. ‘It can be very frustrating for both patients and doctors as we do not know which ones, if any, are going to work.

‘PDT is a new treatment in this area and it is showing real promise for patients.’

Dr Nikita Desai, a specialist at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, adds: ‘PDT can be a really effective treatment for people, particularly in more severe cases where a patient might have flushing around angry spots.’

Treatment at the clinic costs £200 a session, with three typically recommended as a course. The clinic claims it could provide relief of symptoms for over a year.

‘Often we see patients that have tried a number of over-the-counter ointments and tablets before

Photodynamic therapy, which has been used by the NHS for many years to destroy skin cancer cells, combines certain wavelengths of light with a cream or gel known as a photosensitiser

turning to us to find relief, and, for some, PDT will provide that and the results can be long lasting.’

However, current guidelines from the British Association of Dermatologists do not include photodynamic therapy as a treatment option for rosacea and it is not available on the NHS.

‘The issue is we do not know just yet whether it works for rosacea, although there are some studies that suggest it does,’ says Dr Esther Burden-Teh, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Nottingham’s dermatology research department.

‘We need larger-scale studies before this is used more widely.’

Experts warn there are potential side effects of the treatment and to be wary when choosing a private provider.

‘Although it is not a toxic treatment and risks are low, patients may experience redness, blistering, burning and reduced hair growth, so it is important that you look for a provider that is registered and offers follow-up consultations,’ says Dr Burden-Teh.

She also warns that there is no quick fix for rosacea and that sufferers need to consider lifestyle changes to minimise symptoms.

‘Triggers vary for individuals, but easily modifiable changes include reducing alcohol, avoiding spicy foods and using non-scented wash products that will not irritate the skin,’ says Dr Burden-Teh.

She adds: ‘One of the most common triggers is sun exposure, so using sunscreen daily can also help manage symptoms.’