Convenient access to Rosacea Treatments With GP24.

Our prescription service costs €25

This service is available to patients anywhere in Republic of Ireland.

Yes - this service is based on the same patient-doctor confidentiality that you would expect in a face-to-face consultation.

If you’re not entirely sure about your condition and have not had a previous prescription, it is recommended that you first chat with our doctor using either our Video Consultation or Phone consultation services first.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the central areas of the face—most commonly the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It often appears as persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small red bumps or pustules. Rosacea most frequently affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common in individuals with fair skin.

This skin condition tends to follow a relapsing-remitting pattern, meaning symptoms can flare up for a period of time before easing again. The timing and severity of these flare-ups can vary greatly from person to person. While rosacea is not harmful, it can be frustrating and impact self-confidence—especially when left untreated.

With professional guidance and the right prescription treatment, rosacea symptoms can be effectively managed to reduce flare-ups and restore skin health.

The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute. These may include an overactive immune system, genetic predisposition, and certain environmental influences—or a combination of all three.

One factor that may be involved is the presence of Demodex folliculorum, a microscopic mite that naturally lives on human skin. People with rosacea tend to have higher numbers of these mites, although it’s unclear whether they directly cause the condition or simply worsen symptoms.

Contrary to some misconceptions, rosacea is not caused by bacteria, poor hygiene, and it is not contagious.

Rosacea symptoms are often triggered by specific factors that cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to redness and inflammation. Common rosacea triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, sun exposure, stress, and certain skincare products. Since triggers can vary from person to person, identifying and avoiding your personal triggers can significantly reduce flare-ups.

Rosacea presents differently from person to person, and understanding the specific subtype helps guide the most effective treatment. Here are the main types and their symptoms:

Vascular rosacea

• Persistent facial redness

• Frequent flushing

• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)

• This type does not typically respond to antibiotic treatments

Inflammatory rosacea

• Red bumps or pustules (often mistaken for acne)

• Swelling and irritation

• Usually responds well to prescription antibiotics (topical or oral)

Ocular rosacea (affects the eyes):

• Affects up to 50% of people with rosacea

• Symptoms may include:

  • Dry, itchy, or burning eyes

  • Gritty or sandy sensation

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Styes or eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

• In rare cases, corneal inflammation can occur—this is potentially serious.
  Seek urgent medical care if you experience eye pain or vision changes.

Rhinophyma:

• Thickening of the skin on the nose

• More commonly affects men

• Can lead to a bulbous or enlarged nose if untreated

Identifying your specific symptoms allows for a tailored treatment plan. With prescription care, rosacea can be effectively managed and flare-ups reduced.

You may be eligible to request rosacea treatment through GP24.ie if you:

• Are over 18 years of age

• Have been previously diagnosed with rosacea by a healthcare professional

• Need a repeat prescription for commonly prescribed rosacea medication – note, only one repeat prescription can be issued

• Are not currently experiencing a severe flare-up or medical emergency

Please note: This service is not suitable for the initial diagnosis of rosacea or for managing uncontrolled symptoms. It is important to document your medical history as thoroughly as possible. In the questionnaire, you will be asked to provide information on when you last had blood tests and to note any issues.

Yes—making simple adjustments to your daily routine can help minimise rosacea flare-ups and may even reduce your need for medication over time. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is a key part of managing rosacea effectively.

Here are some practical ways to help reduce flare frequency:

• Avoid known triggers whenever possible. Common rosacea triggers include:

  • Alcohol

  • Spicy foods

  • Caffeine

  • Aged cheeses

  • Hot beverages

  • Stress and extreme weather changes

• Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea triggers.

• Use a gentle skincare routine:

  • Choose hypoallergenic, non-perfumed, and non-greasy moisturisers

  • Avoid harsh scrubs or astringents

  • Pat your face dry instead of rubbing

• Steer clear of extreme temperatures:

  • Lower the temperature of your showers and baths

  • Avoid saunas and hot environments when possible

• Camouflage creams and rosacea-friendly makeup can help reduce the visible redness (erythema) and conceal broken blood vessels (telangiectasia). Ask your local pharmacy or beauty counter for advice on suitable products.

While rosacea is a long-term skin condition, the good news is that effective treatments are available to help reduce flare-ups and manage symptoms. Through our service, we can prescribe a range of evidence-based rosacea treatments tailored to your skin type and specific symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

• Topical treatments (creams or gels):
  These are applied directly to the skin and may be prescribed on their own or alongside oral medications. Depending on your needs, topical treatments may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory creams

  • Topical antibiotics

  • Anti-mite agents (targeting Demodex folliculorum, a skin mite often associated with rosacea)

• Oral antibiotics (usually tetracyclines):
  These are commonly prescribed for inflammatory rosacea, where red bumps, pustules, or swelling are present. Unlike traditional use for bacterial infections, these antibiotics are used here for their anti-inflammatory effects.
  They are not typically effective for vascular rosacea, which mainly causes flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels.

In some cases, if clinically appropriate, we may provide a 12-week course of oral antibiotics, especially if your rosacea includes inflammatory symptoms. For optimal results, this is often combined with a suitable non-antibiotic topical treatment.

Note: Rosacea treatments usually take 4 to 12 weeks to show visible improvement.

While prescription treatments for rosacea are generally well tolerated, some people may experience side effects—especially during the first few weeks of use.

Common side effects of topical treatments (creams/gels) include:

Skin irritation such as:

• Dryness

• Redness

• Peeling

• Burning or stinging sensation

It’s important to note that rosacea treatments can sometimes cause your symptoms to temporarily worsen before they improve. This is a normal part of the adjustment process for some users.

Using topical treatments more often than prescribed will not improve results, but it can increase irritation and discomfort. Always follow the usage instructions exactly.

Common side effects of oral antibiotics:

• Nausea

• Stomach discomfort or cramps

• Diarrhoea

• Heartburn or indigestion

In rare cases, oral antibiotics can cause more serious side effects. If you experience persistent headaches, blurred vision, or any changes to your eyesight, stop the medication immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Increased sun sensitivity:

Both topical and oral rosacea medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and flare-ups. Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, or sun lamps during treatment, and always wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately. You can also contact us for follow-up support or guidance from one of our GPs.

Complete an Online Questionnaire: Fill out a secure, confidential medical assessment form detailing your symptoms and health history

Medical Review: An Irish-registered doctor will review your information to determine if treatment is appropriate for you

Prescription Issuance: If suitable, a prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Irish pharmacy via secure Healthmail

Yes. To ensure your safety, you’ll need to complete a confidential health questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a Doctor before any prescription is issued.

Your medical information is reviewed only by Irish Medical Council Registered Doctors and is handled in line with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

Your prescription will be sent electronically via the Healthmail system to the Irish pharmacy of your choice - you can nominate any pharmacy in Ireland to receive your prescription

Once your medical questionnaire is submitted, prescriptions are typically issued within 24 hours.

(Please note this may vary on weekends)